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Mars has announced an over $70 million investment in its Hackettstown, New Jersey, US, site to enhance innovation and manufacturing. The company aims to establish an R&D innovation studio with a new test kitchen and packaging lab. The investment will also focus on improving manufacturing efficiencies and food safety at the Hackettstown site. The R&D innovation studio will house a new prototyping kitchen, packaging lab and collaboration space, as it aims to accelerate innovation and development to meet evolving consumer preferences. The studio's capabilities will support the production of Mars Wrigley products manufactured in the US – such as M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Skittles, Starburst, Extra and Altoids – as well as drive new product innovations. Additionally, the updated packaging studio will focus on developing and testing sustainable packaging materials, aligning with Mars' commitment to a circular economy. Anton Vincent, president of Mars Wrigley North America and Global Ice Cream, said: "At Mars, our commitment to quality and innovation has been at the centre of our business for more than a century. The continued investment in our Hackettstown site re-affirms our commitment to innovation in New Jersey and upskilling our Associates with best-in-class facilities to create more moments of everyday happiness for our consumers."