Unilever to close Southern California plant, cut 61 jobs by third quarter of 2010

Unilever to close California plant, cut 61 jobs

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Consumer products maker Unilever PLC said Thursday it will close a Southern California plant and cut 61 jobs to lower costs.

The closure is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2010.

Workers at the plant in City of Industry, Calif., produce personal care products under brands such as Dove, Suave and AXE. The work will shift to Unilever plants in Jefferson City, Mo., and Raeford, N.C.

The company, which has its U.S. headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., said the cuts included salaried and hourly workers.