Personal care giant Unilever has continued to ramp up its investment in the local Philippine market with the establishment of the Enterprise and Technology Solutions (ETS) global shared hub and office.

The ETS is part of the company’s EURO 100 million investment in the country and is said to support the company’s continued growth in the country. Said to generate about 500 jobs, the facility will become the second biggest unit of Unilever’s four existing outsourcing hubs.

Such is the importance of the facility, the office will become the company’s second headquarters. Located in Taguig, the office is set to be completed by 2016 and will cover 16 floors. The existing office and hub in Manila is also set to stay operational.

Company CEO Paul Polman said, “We continue to invest heavily here and the ETS offers a good example of another kind of investment wherein we’re bringing in the outsourcing services here. Also, we have so much opportunities to grow our business in the Philippines and it needs to be supported.”

Meanwhile Unilever Chief Enterprise and Technology Officer Mark Smith said in a statement at the time of the inauguration, “This hub “key component of our long-term strategic development. Unilever has a significant footprint in emerging markets and it makes sense that we invest in resources in these locations.

“The Philippines is one of our fastest-growing markets and offers sound infrastructure and access to strong talent. Having the right people, with the right skills and the right mindset is key. That’s where Manila qualifies very highly.”