Key Takeaways:
• Mars plans to invest $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing by 2026, enhancing production capabilities and innovation across its diverse brand portfolio.
• The new investment includes a $240 million Nature’s Bakery facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Mars has already invested over $6 billion into U.S. manufacturing in the past five years, underscoring its long-term commitment to the U.S. market.
• The new facilities will create over 500 new jobs and expand capacity for products like Nature’s Bakery snack bars and Royal Canin pet food.
Mars Strengthens U.S. Manufacturing Footprint with $2 Billion Investment
Mars, Incorporated — the global company known for well-loved food, snack, and pet care brands like M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, Royal Canin®, and Ben’s Original™ — is pledging an extra $2 billion to expand its manufacturing footprint in the United States. This new investment will be directed toward expanding production facilities, boosting innovation, and meeting growing consumer demand across the United States. By 2026, Mars aims to strengthen its existing manufacturing infrastructure, already accounting for 94% of Mars products sold in the U.S.
A Legacy of Investment and Growth in U.S. Manufacturing
Mars’ $2 billion investment follows the $6 billion the company has poured into U.S. manufacturing over the past five years. This continued commitment highlights the importance of the U.S. as Mars’ largest and most strategic market, driving long-term growth.
“Our investment is part of Mars’ broader vision to build a more resilient business that can adapt to changing consumer demands and continue to grow with our partners,” said Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars, Incorporated. “With over 70,000 Associates and a presence in nearly every U.S. state, we are deeply invested in the communities where we operate. This next phase of investment is a testament to our belief in the U.S. market and its potential for future growth.”
New $240 Million Nature’s Bakery Facility in Utah
A significant part of the $2 billion investment is allocated for a new Nature’s Bakery manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The $240 million plant will not only create over 230 new jobs but will also scale the brand’s production capabilities to an impressive capacity of nearly one billion snack bars annually. This expansion comes as Nature’s Bakery continues to grow in popularity, having posted a 30% volume increase in the past year.
This new investment comes on the heels of Mars’ earlier achievement this year with the opening of a $450 million Royal Canin® facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The state-of-the-art pet food production plant will be the brand’s largest dry pet food factory globally and is expected to create an additional 270 jobs in the region.
Mars’ Broad Commitment to U.S. Innovation and Job Creation
The new investments will not only improve Mars’ ability to meet the increasing demand for its diverse product portfolio, including its well-known candy, snacks, and pet food brands, but will also foster continued innovation. With a clear focus on sustainability and production efficiency, Mars plans to continue driving advancements in product development and manufacturing processes.
Mars has a longstanding history of contributing to the U.S. economy, operating 38 factories across 49 states and employing more than 70,000 people. The company’s expansion strategy emphasizes long-term growth while enhancing the local job market, with more than 9,000 new jobs created in the last five years alone.
Building for the Future
Mars’ strategic investments are aligned with its goal to ensure a sustainable and innovative future. By expanding U.S. production capabilities, Mars is not only reinforcing its strong market position but also improving its ability to serve the evolving needs of U.S. consumers. With the addition of its new facilities and workforce, the company aims to set a new standard for manufacturing excellence and local job creation in the coming years.
