Mars Chocolate Grows U.S. Footprint in Kansas

Mars Chocolate North America has made plans to invest an additional $100 million in its Topeka, Kan., site, breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot facility. As part of this expansion, the company will create a total of 70 new full-time, permanent, high-wage manufacturing jobs. "For over a century, Mars has been committed to making our products in the markets where we sell them," said Tracey Massey, president of Mars Chocolate North America. "We are grateful for the warm welcome and continued support we have received from Topeka and the state of Kansas, and we are pleased to further invest in the community with additional job creation and economic development." As the company launches new innovations, it is committed to continuing to make its products in the U.S. Over 95 percent of Mars Chocolate products sold in the U.S. are also made locally by the company's dedicated team of over 3,500 associates located in its nine domestic sites. From roasting peanuts in Albany, Ga., to roasting cocoa beans to make its real chocolate in Elizabethtown, Pa., the company takes great pride in the fact that its products—from cocoa bean to chocolate bar to bite size M&M'S Brand Candies—are made in America, say company officials. While Mars was the first chocolate manufacturer to reduce single serve products to below 250 calories, in recent months the company has brought to market a range of new product offerings with a focus on introducing more options less than 200 calories, officials add. Earlier this year the company brought back M&M'S Crispy at 180 calories per serving, and in August, the company will launch nationally goodnessknows Snack Squares, a delicious and satisfying treat at 150 calories. "Our consumers and retailers are demanding even greater choice, seeking more product variety across a range of format, calorie and price options," adds Massey. "By further growing our footprint in the U.S., we will better be able to introduce new treats to satisfy the most diverse consumer appetites." Mars' expansion in Topeka follows the grand opening of the facility in 2014, the first new Mars Chocolate North America site built in the last 35 years. With this expansion, Mars' investment in Topeka totals $430 million, today employing over 200 associates producing a variety of M&M'S Brand Candies and SNICKERS Bars. Named "Plant of the Year" by Food Engineering magazine, the facility is LEED Gold certified and meets Mars' stringent sustainability standards. This latest investment in the U.S. follows recent announcements by Mars, Incorporated of additional expansion across the country. In June, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company announced it would be adding 155 new associates at its Flowery Branch, Georgia facility to support additional sugarfree gum production. In addition, Mars Chocolate North America also shared news of its plans to hire 20 new associates in Albany, Georgia to support the national launch of goodnessknows.