Jumpstart

Mars Chocolate North America is building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Topeka, KS. The the site reflects Mars Chocolate North America’s commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing in order to meet the growing demand for its iconic confectionery products, including M&M’S and Snickers. The facility will be the first Mars Chocolate site built in the U.S. in 35 years.

 “We are excited to announce our plan to construct this new manufacturing site in Topeka,” says Mike Wittman, vice president of supply at Mars Chocolate. “The site will be a reflection of our commitment to manufacture our products in the markets where we sell them. Mars looks forward to becoming an important part of the Topeka community.”

“Mars is grateful for the support and partnership of Governor Brownback, Shawnee County and the City of Topeka,” adds Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate. “We are planning to build this plant with a focus on the long term and look forward to many productive years of manufacturing and community partnership in Topeka.”

Phase I of the site is planned to be complete in 2013. Mars expects to make a capital investment of over $250 million in the first phase of the multi-phased project. In addition, the company 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 facility will pursue a LEED Gold Certified designation upon completion.