Mars, Inc. Announces Wrigley, Mars Chocolate Expansion In Georgia Will Create 175 Jobs
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. and ALBANY, Ga. (June 24, 2015) — Mars, Incorporated announced today that two of the company’s business units, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and Mars Chocolate North America, are expanding their presence in Georgia, creating a total of 175 full-time, permanent, high-wage manufacturing jobs.
Wrigley is adding 155 new associates over two years at its Flowery Branch facility to support additional production of ORBIT®, the company’s largest gum brand in the U.S., and EXCEL®, Canada’s leading gum brand.
“Wrigley has been part of the Georgia community for more than 40 years. We continue to support the community with job creation and economic development by expanding our factory’s sugarfree gum production. We’re happy to have worked in partnership with the state to add this capacity to our facility,” said Jim FitzGerald, Factory Director for Wrigley’s Flowery Branch facility.
The factory, which already employs 670 associates, also produces some of the world’s most popular gums, including JUICY FRUIT®, EXTRA® and 5®. The expansion is a result of moving production from the company’s Toronto factory, which will close in March 2016.
Mars Chocolate North America, part of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer, is tapping into its Albany factory to add production for the upcoming national launch of goodnessknows® Snack Squares. The company expects to add 20 jobs to its facility over the next three years.
“At Mars we have been proud to call Albany home for over 50 years and we are excited to play such an important role in introducing goodnessknows®, bringing more great tasting snacking options to people across the country,” said Mack Phillips, Albany site director, Mars Chocolate North America.
goodnessknows®, a tasty and satisfying treat, is crafted with whole nuts, real fruits, toasted oats and dark chocolate. Launching nationally in August, this newest innovation from Mars Chocolate North America is part of a long-term commitment to health and well-being, that includes more choices for consumers to enjoy.
Mars Chocolate North America’s Albany factory, which already employs 175 associates, also produces COMBOS® Brand Variety Snacks and MARATHON® Energy Bars. This site also sources and roasts peanuts from local shellers to be used in SNICKERS® Bars and M&M’S® Brand Peanut Butter Candies. The goodnessknows® production line started running in May.
The company’s growth in the state of Georgia was assisted by the state as well as Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.
“I have seen first-hand the caliber of this company’s corporate culture and enthusiasm for its products,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “It is clear Mars, Inc. continues to succeed in Georgia, which speaks volumes about our skilled workforce. This leading global company is able to provide for its customers by leveraging our solid logistics infrastructure and dynamic network of companies. We look forward to its continued growth in Flowery Branch and Albany.”
For more information on Mars, Inc., Wrigley and Mars Chocolate North America, visit www.mars.com and www.wrigley.com.
