Philippine Refining Company
History
1927
Incorporation of Philippine Refining Company (PRC), a wholly owned Unilever enterprise.
1930
Consolidation of oil production in Cebu (capacity 45,000 tons annually) and Manila (capacity 40,000 tons annually).
1939
Purchase of a small edible fats plant from FE Zuellig. Production of refined oil, vegetable lard and laundry soap commences.
1942
Japanese army takes over PRC's Manila oil mill in January.
1945
Limited scale operations resumed in both Manila oil mill in January, followed by the Cebu mill in April.
1948
Cebu oil mill disposed. A new and modern oil plant is commissioned in Manila.
Upgrading of soapery and edible fats plant commenced.
195X
Signal toothpaste was launched.
1950
Launch of Lux toilet soap.
1951
Launch of Lifebuoy toilet soap.
1952
Launch of Wheel laundry soap
1960
NSD (Non soapy detergent) powder plant constructed and commissioned.
1962
Breeze detergent launched.
1967
Rinso detergent launched.
1968
Sunsilk was lauched by Elida.
1970
PRC's soapery output reaches 26,000 tons. NSD powders output reaches 17,000 tons.
1974
Superwheel NSD bar launched
1975
NSD bar market grows rapidly, while NSD powder market declines.
1980
PRC continues conquest of new markets, particularly in Personal products like Shampoos (Sunsilk), Hair Conditioners (Creamsilk), Toothpaste (Close Up) and Deodorants (Rexona). Surf and Impulse are launched.
1984
Cream Silk was introduced.
1990
PRC launches its TQ (Total Quality) program in the month of December.
1991
PRC moves to the use of exclusive 3rd party distributors.
Field sales force is reduced by 50%.
New sales force manages only key accounts.
3rd party distributors manage all rural accounts.
1992
Sunlight 3 Heavy Duty NSD bar is launched, and rapidly conquers 20% market share in the first year.
1993
PRC introduces TQPM (Total Quality Productive Maintenance) program.
Most Outstanding Supplier Award from Mancao Supermarket
Outstanding Supplier Award from SM Supermarket
Supplier of the Year Award from Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
Preferred Supplier Award from Western Centre
Launch of Lux Super Rich
Launch of Sunsilk Protect
1994
On 21st March, ULPRC is conferred the ISO 9002 certification for the manufacture of toothpaste and hair preparations.
Oil mill is shut down.
Manufacture of laundry soap is given to 3rd part sources in order to improve manufacturing efficiency.
PRC is renamed Unilever Philippines (PRC), Inc.
ULPRC is adjudged to have the best key account management practices among Unilever group companies in the East Asia Pacific region.
Best Supplier Award from Uniwide
Preferred Supplier Award from Western Centre
Outstanding Supplier Award from SM Supermarket
Supplier of the Year Award from Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
1995
On the 6th February, ULPRC is conferred the ISO 9002 for the manufacture of detergents, toilet soaps, surfactants, and edible fats & oils.
Manufacture of toilet soap is transferred to 3rd party sources.
Unilever Philippines (PRC), Inc. enters the powdered iced tea market with Lipton iced tea.
Launch of Tempo All-Purpose Detergent Powder, Close-Up, Jif Powerful Cream Cleanser, Liqui-Fresh, Superwheel Max Powder Cleanser.
ULP as Outstanding Supplier for the 4th time and as 1995 Business Partner of the Year - from Uniwide.
Global Seal of Excellence Award by President F.V. Ramos
Lever Industrial Hygiene College
Lipton Tea Launch
1996
Sunlight 3 - Packaging Institute of the Philippine (PIP) Award of Excellence for Graphic Design.
Sunlight 3 Color - also Wordstar Packaging Award for Graphic Design by PIP - first ever Philippine Packaging entry to win the Award.
Surf as No. 1 low priced in Visayas and Mindanao.
Launch of AXE new perfume and 2 new ranges
Merger of Diversey and Lever Industrial
Universal Environmental Award
Best Supplier Award from Uniwide
Renovation and air-conditioning of the Sunlight Canteen
1997
70th Anniversary of ULP
Opening of the Fitness Center/Learning Center
Launch of New Breeze Colour
Unilever Occupational Safety Award Trophy for non-LTA
Unilever Philippines Inc. as the corporate name
Launch of New Comfort Fabric Conditioner
Awarded as Top Real Property Taxpayer by the City of Manila
1998
Visit of Niall Fitzgerald, Chairman of Unilever PLC.
Environment Award from Sagip Pasig Movement: "Dangal ng Pasig"
Inauguration of the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Plant
Surf Bar- as market leader
Launch of Close-Up Crystal
Adoption of Project AZTEC
Launch of Vaseline Anti-Bacterial Lotion
Axe/Ponds Best Ads
Awardee - Silver Excellence Trophy from SHEACO
Y2K Compliance
Trade Partner of the Year Award (Big Multinational & Local Suppliers Category) - from Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
1999
Selecta and Unilever joint venture
Implementation of SCOA
Launch of 20/20 Vision
Launch of Pond's Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub
External Awards - Mother Nature, Industrial Harmony, and as Outstanding manufacturer of Soap Detergent (Breeze)
Unilever Award for Surf and Sunsilk for Brand Communication
Employer of the Year Award by PMAP
Launch of DOMEX
Inauguration of Heritage Center
Most Outstanding Trade Partner - from Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
Most Outstanding Trade Partner Award (Big Multinational & Local Suppliers Category) - from Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
2000
Pasig River Project on Clean River Zones
2001
Joint venture agreement with JDH Philippines/IDS Logistics on Central Distribution Center project
Introduction of HR's REMterprise
Birth of Unilever SEALS (Diving Club)
Kapatid Award for Industrial Peace & Harmony
Launch of Rexona Stick Refills & Ultimate Challenge Series
Launch of Axe Deo Stick
Launch of Dove
Launch of Close-Up Planet website
Quarter Century Club Grand Reunion
Re-opening of Estero de Tanque as transport route for deliveries
100th Total Quality Seminar
Presence of Unilever in 8 out of 10 households (Pantry Check Research)
Donation of 150,000 Supplementary Teaching Workbooks on the Pasig River to the public schools in District 5 and 6 of Manila
Unilever Philippines, LLDA and SCPW bags the membership of Laguna de Bay as the 18th Living Lakes Partner
Unilever employees plant 400 seedlings at the La Mesa Watershed
Dangal ng Pasig Award 2001
Cities Asia Urban Green Management Excellence Award 2001 from the Regional Institute for Environment Technology (RIET) based in Singapore
Invitation to become one of only 3 private sector representatives in the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission