In a move to enhance innovation and meet changing consumer preferences, Mars has announced a $70 million investment in a research and development site in Hackettstown, New Jersey. The investment will focus on several of Mars’ chocolate and confectionery brands.
The expansion will include a new prototyping kitchen, packaging lab, and a collaboration space to accelerate the development process. Brands such as M&M’s, Twix, Snickers, Milky Way, Skittles, Starburst, Extra, and Altoids will benefit from this investment.
Additionally, the updated packaging studio will enable the development and testing of sustainable packaging materials, aligning with Mars’ commitment to quality and innovation.
Anton Vincent, president of Mars Wrigley’s North America and global ice cream business, stated, “At Mars, our commitment to quality and innovation has been at the center of our business for more than a century.” The multi-year investments at the Hackettstown site began last year.
The continued investment in the Hackettstown site underscores Mars’ dedication to fostering innovation in New Jersey and empowering its employees with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance consumer experiences, creating more moments of everyday happiness.
The inauguration of the New Jersey innovation studio follows the recent establishment of the $42 million Mars snacking research and development hub in Chicago.
Earlier this year, Mars revealed plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in the US for its Nature’s Bakery snack-bar brand. The facility, set to be located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is projected to be fully operational by July next year, with approximately 190 full-time employees.
With a $237 million investment, Mars aims to construct a factory spanning over 339,000 square feet, showcasing its commitment to expanding its operational footprint and product offerings in the food and beverage industry.
