Mars has announced plans to build a KES 7 billion ($69.3 million) factory near Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the ongoing expansion of its chewing gum subsidiary Wrigley.
Once in operation, the factory will produce 7.8 billion pellets of chewing gum annually in a move that is expected to grow Mars’s market share in Kenya and the region.
The facility is scheduled to open later this year and will also serve countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The confectionery company made the announcement after board member Victoria Mars met with president of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta.
She briefed the president on various initiatives undertaken by the company to expand its operations in the region and provide social and economic opportunities for Kenyans, including an entrepreneur programme.
She said the new factory would not only create jobs but also provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises through its expanded value chain.
Mars assured the president that Wrigley is committed to working with the government of Kenya and being a part of country’s growth as a manufacturing hub.
Victoria Mars said: “Your goal to boost local manufacturing capacity is timely and offers a great opportunity to expand employment and job creation for Kenyans, while cementing the country’s position as a key industrial hub in Africa. Wrigley is keen on growing and developing our business here and contributing to this noble objective.”
She added that Mars was actively supporting many social and economic initiatives to expand employment and business opportunities for Kenyans, especially in low-income and rural areas.
Wrigley opened its first factory in Kenya in 1972, which is the multinational’s only manufacturing plant in Africa.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024