Mars to build its first US-based factory for 35 years

Mars Chocolate North America plans to build a new manufacturing in Kansas, US. The company says the facility will be the first new “chocolate site built in the US in 35 years,” and it will make an investment of $250 million during the first phase of the project.

Phase one is scheduled to be completed in 2013, when the facility will begin processing M&M’s and Snickers branded products. Subsequent phases of the project will expand the capacity of the facility and more Mars product lines will be added.  

Mars expects to hire approximately 200 full time operations associates to resource the lines installed during the initial phase. Subsequent phases of development will then expand the capacity of the facility, and more product lines will be added. The new facility will be built to meet high environmental standards and will pursue a LEED Gold Certified designation upon completion.