Overview of Mars’ Expansion in the United States
Mars, a leading snack and pet food manufacturer, announced an investment of $2 billion over the next five years to enhance production capabilities and drive innovation for its products in the United States.
The company, known for popular brands such as M&M’s and Snickers, revealed that this investment complements the $6 billion it has already allocated in the past five years.
“This investment aims to build a stronger and more resilient business in the United States, one that can grow with our consumers, meet the expectations of our partners, and create a lasting economic impact in the communities where we operate,” said Claus Aagaard, Chief Financial Officer of Mars Incorporated.
New Plant in Salt Lake City, Utah
As part of the $2 billion investment, Mars will open a new plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday. This facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 1 billion units of Nature’s Bakery products annually.
The construction of this new factory, covering over 339,000 square feet (approximately 31,484 square meters), required an investment of $240 million. Once operational, it will generate more than 230 new jobs in the region.
“The United States is our largest and most important market, serving as a key long-term growth driver not only through our existing manufacturing footprint but also through strategic acquisitions like Nature’s Bakery, which is rapidly scaling up,” added Claus Aagaard.
Currently, 94% of the products Mars sells in the United States are produced locally.
Additional Investments and Presence in the U.S.
Earlier this year, Mars opened its largest dry pet food plant in the world, Royal Canin, in Lewisburg, Ohio, with a $450 million investment. This facility generates 270 jobs in the region.
Mars has a presence in 49 U.S. states, employs over 70,000 associates, and operates 38 factories, along with veterinary clinics, laboratories, and 16 global and regional offices.
Mars also operates in Mexico, with plants located in Querétaro, Nuevo León, Jalisco, and the State of Mexico.
Mars’ Commitment in Mexico
On July 15, Mars celebrated the 30th anniversary of its pet food plant in Querétaro, where it produces 522,000 metric tons of dry and wet pet food annually under brands like Pedigree and Whiskas.
Mars is currently finalizing a $3,500 million investment, announced three years ago, to capitalize on the growing pet market in Mexico and other initiatives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Mars investing in the U.S.? Mars is investing $2 billion to increase production capacity and drive innovation for its products in the United States.
- What is the purpose of this investment? The investment aims to build a stronger and more resilient business in the U.S., growing with consumers, meeting partner expectations, and creating a lasting economic impact in the communities where Mars operates.
- What new plant is Mars opening in the U.S.? Mars will open a new plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, capable of producing approximately 1 billion units of Nature’s Bakery products annually.
- How many jobs will this new plant generate? Once operational, the new factory in Salt Lake City is expected to create more than 230 new jobs in the region.
- What is Mars’ presence and investment in Mexico? Mars operates in Mexico with plants in Querétaro, Nuevo León, Jalisco, and the State of Mexico. The company is also finalizing a $3,500 million investment to capitalize on the growing pet market in Mexico.
