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Mars, Incorporated has officially inaugurated a new $240 million manufacturing facility for its Nature's Bakery brand in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This state-of-the-art facility is poised to significantly enhance production capabilities, with the potential to manufacture over 1 billion snack bars annually and create more than 230 new jobs in the region.

The 339,000-square-foot facility represents a strategic investment as Mars continues to expand its footprint in the US snack market.

This latest development is part of a broader commitment by the company, which has invested $6 billion in US operations over the past five years and has pledged an additional $2 billion towards domestic manufacturing through 2026.

Located in Salt Lake City's Mountain West neighbourhood, the new site is designed to improve national distribution efficiency, reducing delivery distances to key retailers.

The facility is also LEED Silver-certified, underscoring Mars' commitment to sustainability by aiming to lower trucking-related CO₂ emissions by approximately 5,700 tons annually.

Steve Gardiner, CEO of Nature's Bakery, highlighted that the new facility will enable the brand to meet growing consumer demand for its products while enhancing production efficiency and quality.

Since Mars acquired Nature's Bakery in March 2021, the brand has been on a trajectory to double its size, reflecting the increasing importance of the snacking category in the US market.

Blas Maquivar, global president of the health and wellness division at Mars, noted that this investment aligns with the company's focus on innovation in the snacking sector, aiming to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

The new facility incorporates advanced automation technologies for ingredient delivery, mixing and cooling, which not only improve food safety and consistency but also elevate many manual roles to higher-skilled positions, fostering career development opportunities for employees.

The opening of the Nature's Bakery facility is a significant boost for Utah's manufacturing sector, which plays a critical role in job creation and supply chain strengthening.

Local officials, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, have welcomed the investment, highlighting the company’s commitment to community engagement and support initiatives.