Unilever Thailand commissions new headquarters, commits over Baht 2,600 million

Unilever Thailand commissions new headquarters, commits over Baht 2,600 million to enhance sustainability plan and agility of the workplace Green headquarters underlines long-term commitment to Thailand and Thai consumers as company prepares to mark its 80th anniversary The Unilever Thai Group of Companies today announced that, with the budget of approximately Baht 2,600 million, the company has commissioned the building of a new corporate headquarters that will enhance Unilever’s agile working style while reducing impact on the environment.. Speaking to the press a few hours before the official foundation stone laying ceremony for the new corporate headquarters, to be presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, Mr Bauke Rouwers, Chairman, Unilever Thai Group of Companies, said “the new headquarters represents a very significant long-term commitment to Thailand and the Thai people as we prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of our operations in the Kingdom.” Considering the new headquarters as underlining the company’s global commitment to sustainability, Mr Rouwers explained that with the launch of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan “Unilever has led the environmental agenda and targeted to double our business in Thailand by 2015 and reduce waste by 50%. And by 2020 our group is committed to helping one billion people around the world improve their health and well-being, sourcing 100 percent of our agricultural raw materials sustainably and halving the environmental footprint of our products, including their manufacture and their usage by consumers. “To achieve such an ambitious goal, Unilever has to bring to the market great products and innovations. We believe that agile working environment is a key to promote innovation,” said Mr Rouwers. “Our new corporate headquarters in Thailand was designed and developed according to our ‘agile workplace, green building concept’. This will stimulate staff interaction and innovation while efficiently reducing energy consumption by at least 20 per cent. With open-wall design office space, the new building will promote more employees’ agility and thus interaction and creativity.” The design of the new building aims to remove barriers related to work and communications and establish lively environment. The office will be bright, cheerful and spacious with ramps, bridges and stairways connecting the central area of every floor. This enables employees from different departments to interact more with one another. Wireless and Internet connection will be core to communication system that enables free flow of information and at the same time efficiently reduces operating costs. “We believe agility and cheerful environment in the work place will enable our people to create innovation better. With Unilever’s innovative products, we will help transform consumers’ houses into home, share happiness to Thai families and make every Thai look and feel their best while reducing overall impact on the environment,” said Mr Rouwers. In addition to making “agile workplace”, the new headquarters is very green. From foundation to decoration, the building is designed to be environmentally friendly. The building is being constructed with a goal to source recycled materials that make-up at least 20 per cent of the entire building and source materials from within the region. All systems, such as curtain wall system, intelligent lighting system and many other systems helps Unilever’s new headquarters building reduce energy consumption by 20 per cent. The 12-storey, 48,000 sq.m. building located in a new Central Business district (CBD) on Rama 9 Road will be completed by the end of 2013. While the building is being developed by Grand Canal Land Plc against a long-term lease contract, every aspect of its overall design and construction is being specified by Unilever, including all the environmental aspects necessary to earn US LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the building’s operation. The inspiring ambience means that it will not just be a place for work, but also a place of well-being. “For the approximately 1,200 Unilever employees who will move into the new home, that will be one of the most agile and sustainable working environment in Bangkok. Our Success boosted in a sustainable workplace. Unilever takes leadership in office design: a building designed around our people and their way of working, anchored in our determination to bring sustainability to every aspect of our business. Another step to boost our business success for the future,” he added . Reporting on the Unilever Thai group of Companies’ performance during the first half of 2012, Mr Rouwers said the Group recorded double digit sales growth, outpacing the market.” Unilever strong performance this year can be attributed to buoyant consumer demand for our products, rapid product innovation, a number of very successful product launches and very successful partnerships with our major customers,” explained Mr Rouwers. Issued on behalf of : Unilever Group of Companies in Thailand For further information : Aranya Luepradid Communications Support Manager Unilever Thai Trading Limited Tel. 0 2554 3528 : Jintana Duangkaew Business Director, Ogilvy Public Relations Ltd. Tel. 0 2205 6653 email: [email protected] -NT- Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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