A Durban factory now makes most of the world’s Vaseline

A historic Durban factory has been given a major production boost, with Unilever investing R100 million in a new Vaseline production line at its Maydon Wharf manufacturing facility.

The investment increases the facility’s share of Unilever’s global Vaseline petroleum jelly production from 60% to 80%, reinforcing Durban’s role in the international supply chain for one of the world’s best-known personal-care products.

The new production line was officially commissioned on Friday, 2 October, at a ceremony attended by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

From Durban to the world

The scale of the Maydon Wharf operation means that a significant proportion of the Vaseline petroleum jelly used around the world originates in Durban.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a translucent, semi-solid mixture of refined hydrocarbons derived from crude oil and is one of Unilever’s best-known beauty and wellbeing products.

Unilever generated sales of €50.5 billion, equivalent to about R945 billion, across 190 countries in 2025.

The Vaseline brand itself does not have a publicly disclosed standalone valuation, although industry estimates place its value between $5 billion and $10 billion, or roughly R83 billion to R166 billion.

More local production and sourcing

The new investment also forms part of Unilever South Africa’s broader push to increase local manufacturing and sourcing.

Phahle Phalane, Unilever South Africa’s supply chain vice president, said approximately 95% of the group’s products sold locally are manufactured in South Africa.

Unilever has also increased the proportion of materials it sources locally from 40% in 2019 to 80% in 2025. The company said this reflects its focus on industrialisation, localisation, job creation and inclusive growth.

The Maydon Wharf facility currently employs approximately 350 full-time staff and 200 freelancers.

A Durban factory more than 100 years old

The Maydon Wharf facility is not a new industrial site. Established in 1912, it is one of Unilever’s oldest and most strategically important manufacturing facilities globally.

The factory originally produced Sunlight bar soap, one of the company’s iconic household products.

More than a century later, the facility has evolved into a multi-technology, multi-brand manufacturing hub supplying consumers across Africa and international markets.

Unilever Southern Africa CEO Stefan Cloete described the latest investment as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s manufacturing future.

He said the additional R100 million investment would strengthen local manufacturing, support jobs and skills development and reinforce South Africa’s position as a manufacturing hub for regional and global markets.