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Mars has announced a substantial investment of $2 billion aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in the US by the end of 2026. This initiative underscores the company's ongoing commitment to local production, with 94% of its US products currently manufactured domestically.

The new investment builds upon Mars' previous commitment of $6 billion over the past five years, aimed at bolstering its manufacturing footprint across the nation.

Mars CFO Claus Aagaard noted the strategic importance of this investment: "This investment is about building a stronger, more resilient business in the US – one that can grow with our consumers, deliver for our partners and create lasting economic impact in the communities where we operate".

He continued: "The US is our biggest and most important market, and a key engine of growth for the long term – not only through our legacy manufacturing footprint but also through the expansion of strategic acquisitions like Nature's Bakery, which is already scaling quickly".

A significant portion of the new funding will support the opening of a $240 million facility for Nature's Bakery in Salt Lake City, Utah. This facility, which spans over 339,000 square feet, is expected to create more than 230 jobs and significantly increase production capacity, enabling the output of nearly 1 billion snack bars annually.

Earlier this year, Mars inaugurated a $450 million Royal Canin dry pet food facility in Lewisburg, Ohio, which is now the largest dry pet food factory in the company's global portfolio. This facility is anticipated to create approximately 270 new jobs, further contributing to local economic growth.

Mars, a privately-held family-owned business for over a century, operates in 49 US states and employs more than 70,000 associates across 38 factories, veterinary clinics and regional offices. The company has added over 9,000 associates in the US in the last five years alone, reflecting its commitment to workforce expansion alongside operational growth.