Mars to Add TWIX line to Topeka Facility, Will Invest $55 Million

Contact: Jackie Steele

Telephone: 785.231.6029

Topeka, KS, March 30, 2017– Mars Chocolate North America announced it will invest $55 million in its Topeka facility to accommodate increased production, including adding a TWIX line. The investment, which entails $4.9 million in the facility and $50 million in equipment, follows the additional $100 million investment Mars announced in 2015 around M&M’s Caramel. During a special meeting held Wednesday, March 29, the Joint Economic Development Organization approved approximately $125,000 in incentives for the project, referred to as “Project Fairway,”

“We love being in Topeka and we’re excited to keep investing in this community, in the U.S. economy and in our future,” said Bret Spangler, Topeka Site Director, Mars Chocolate North America. “At Mars, our ongoing commitment to local manufacturing is fundamental to our DNA and how we operate. We appreciate all of the support we have received from the City of Topeka, Shawnee County, GO Topeka and the state of Kansas in welcoming us here.”

“Mars Chocolate North America is a model corporate citizen,” stated Mayor Larry Wolgast. “We are delighted that they have chosen to expand the capacity and employment of their Topeka facility by adding the TWIX line. We are fortunate to have a company like Mars contributing to our community’s economic vitality.”

The investment is part of Mars Chocolate North America’s announcement of a $70 million reinvestment in its U.S. supply chain, continuing its long-standing commitment to American manufacturing and innovation. This latest investment will add approximately 250 new jobs to sites across the county, including 60 full-time and 50 part-time jobs in Topeka. The reinvestment continues Mars’ pattern of creating new American jobs in communities while enabling them to offer more product innovation, choice and transparency to their consumers.

“By once again choosing to make a significant capital investment in their Topeka facility, Mars is not only reinforcing their dedication to our Community, but it affirms that Topeka is an optimal location for operating a global business,” stated Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO GO Topeka and Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “Growing our existing businesses is vital to our community, and GO Topeka is honored to assist Mars with this expansion.”

“We are proud to have Mars continue to invest in our community,” stated Commissioner Bob Archer, Chair Shawnee County Commission. “The expansion will provide more quality jobs to people in Shawnee County. The large capital investment, plus additional jobs shows their commitment to Topeka and Shawnee County.”

Mars announced today the reinvestment in several of its US facility, with the Topeka facility being a significant component of the reinvestment. The company anticipates that TWIX will start being produced at the Topeka facility in 2018.

“This announcement marks yet another area employer with plans to add jobs and upgrade facilities – SE2, Futamura USA, Reser’s Fine Foods and now Mars. In partnership with JEDO, GO Topeka is pleased to provide incentives to Mars to continue to grow and create good jobs for our community.” Wendy Wells, GO Topeka Board Chair

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned business with more than a century of history, $35 billion in sales, and six diverse business segments producing some of the world’s best-loved brands: PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, IAMS®, BANFIELD® CESAR® (Petcare); M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY®, TWIX® (Chocolate); DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES® (Wrigley); UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® (Food); ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® FLAVIA® (Drinks); and COCOAVIA® (Symbioscience). Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in 421 facilities across 78 countries, where our more than 80,000 Associates —all united by the company’s Five Principles of Quality, Efficiency, Responsibility, Mutuality and Freedom –strive every day to create relationships with our stakeholders that deliver growth we are proud of.

About GO Topeka
GO Topeka creates opportunities for economic growth that provide a thriving business climate and fulfilling lifestyle for Topeka and Shawnee County.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jackie Steele at 785.231.6029 or jsteele@gotopeka.com.