Consumer goods giant, Unilever is planning to close down four of its units and cut as many as 500 jobs as the company looks to restructure its operations.

Unilever has said that its factories in Swansea and Bridgend will be closed in 2013 and it will cut 250 jobs. The company will also close down the factory in Ewloe in Flintshire by 2014 and move 400 jobs to Port Sunlight, Wirral while there are concerns that the remaining 100 jobs might be cut. On the positive side, the company also said that it will create 200 new jobs at Port Sunlight and Flintshire.

The company announced today that it will close its factory at Swansea's Enterprise Park, which produces personal care products. It will create new jobs in Deeside as the company has signed a contract with a distributor based at the industrial estate.

Chairman of Unilever UK and Ireland Amanda Sourry said, "Following an extensive review, we have decided to move forward with proposals outlined in June. The investment into Port Sunlight will play a significant role in helping to maintain and sustain our current success and competitiveness both in the UK and on a global scale."

He said that the company will offer a good package of support for employees affected in the process. He also said that the company will help employees understand options for the future