Mars Chocolate North America will reinvest $70 million in its US supply chain, helping to ensure that more than 95% of its chocolate products sold in the US are made in the country too.
It follows investment of CAD 70 million ($52 million) in Mars’ chocolate factory in Ontario, Canada – the first time that the company had committed to producing the Maltesers brand on North American soil and announced on the same day that Mars’ global president, Fiona Dawson, warned of the consequences of the UK leaving the European Union (EU).
The latest investment adds to $1 billion that Mars has committed to its US manufacturing operation in the past five years, helping to create more than 1,000 jobs across all of the segments in which it operates – including Mars chocolate, Wrigley gum and Mars drinks.
Last year, the company pledged a further $900 million to its US supply chain, including a $50 million investment in its Wrigley’s facility in Yorkville, Illinois, which will add a Skittles production line and increase the number of jobs at the site by 25%.
It will also continue to update its Mars Food factory in Greenville, Missouri through a $31 million injection that has created more than 25 jobs.
Its latest investment of $70 million will add approximately 250 new jobs to sites across the country and increase the proportion of Mars’ chocolate products that are manufactured domestically.
Mars Chocolate North America president Tracey Massey said: “Mars believes in the value of keeping our operations in America – it’s good for our people, our business and our consumers. This investment will create new American jobs in communities across the country while also enabling us to offer more product innovation, choice and transparency to our consumers.”
The latest Mars investment comes at a moment when both consumers and retailers are demanding greater choice when it comes to calories and price. By continuing to expand its US footprint, Mars said that it will be better positioned to satisfy consumer trends.
But as FoodBev has discussed previously, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a market for permissible treats.
Mark Johnson, president of Mars Petcare North America, continued: “As a US-based, family-owned business, Mars has been investing in local manufacturing and the communities where we do business for over a century. This commitment is fundamental to our DNA and how we operate. And you’ll continue to see investments like this across our businesses.
“Our consumers are known for trying new things. They are increasingly paying attention to what they eat, but they also want to treat themselves. Our supply chain transformation will allow us to balance consumers’ unique, changing needs while continuing to meet demand for their most beloved products.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024