New product launch provides opportunity for expansion and creates new job opportunities.
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and Mars Chocolate North America, two business units of Mars Inc., will soon be expanding their presence in Georgia. This expansion will create a total of 175 full-time manufacturing jobs. These jobs will be permanent, high-wage positions.
Wrigley is adding 155 new associates over two years at its Flowery Branch, Ga. 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, Ga. 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, N.Y. 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, N.Y. 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, N.Y. 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, N.Y. 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 Gov. 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, Ga. and Albany, N.Y.”