Mars Commits $2 Billion to U.S. Manufacturing
In an exciting development for the U.S. economy, Mars, Incorporated, the renowned maker of popular brands such as Royal Canin®, MM'S®, SNICKERS®, and more, has announced a significant commitment to invest approximately $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing by the end of 2026. This announcement serves as a testament to Mars' dedication to local production, reinforcing its longstanding history as a cornerstone of the American economy.
A Strategic Investment
The company's latest investment furthers an already impressive $6 billion commitment made in the past five years toward increasing its U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Mars has consistently emphasized the importance of local operations, with an impressive 94% of the products it sells in the U.S. being produced domestically. This new funding is not only aimed at enhancing production capabilities but also at fostering innovation across Mars’ diverse portfolio of beloved brands.
Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars, expressed that this move is pivotal in building a more robust U.S.-based business that can adapt to consumer needs and drive economic growth within the communities where they operate. He noted that the U.S. is not only the company's largest market but also a vital engine for long-term growth potential.
New Facilities and Job Creation
As part of this ambitious plan, Mars will be opening a new $240 million facility for Nature's Bakery in Salt Lake City, Utah. This modern facility, spanning over 339,000 square feet, is expected to generate more than 230 new jobs and enhance the brand's production capacity, allowing for nearly one billion bars to be manufactured annually. Such initiatives underscore Mars’ commitment to job creation and economic revitalization in the regions they operate.
Earlier this year, the company also opened a $450 million Royal Canin® dry pet food facility in Lewisburg, Ohio, which is their largest dry pet food factory in the world, creating up to 270 new jobs in that area. These actions reflect Mars’ strategic investments in industries that support both human and pet well-being, proving that their focus lies not only on profit but also on community growth.
Mars' Legacy
Mars has a rich history as a family-owned business established over a century ago, with operations spread across 49 states in the U.S. Their approach to business is rooted in the belief that the future they envision begins with their current practices. The company's workforce consists of over 70,000 associates and operates 38 factories along with veterinary clinics and offices both globally and regionally. In the last five years, Mars has hired more than 9,000 associates in the U.S., a clear indication of their dedication to local employment.
As a leading force in pet care products and quality food manufacturing, Mars believes that the world they aspire to create starts with how they operate today. Their variety of brands, such as PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, and DOVE®, delight millions of consumers and pets alike, illustrating their contributions to both industries.
For those interested in learning more about Mars, their initiatives, and brands, detailed information is available on their
official website. Mars continues to set a benchmark in the industry by upholding their principles of quality and responsibility while making impactful contributions to local economies worldwide.