Mars Wrigley Confectionery are bolstering their resources by kicking off a 65,000-square-foot product distribution expansion of their Waco, Texas site, with a $30m investment.
Since 1976, the plant has been producing a host of Mars Wrigley’s big player brands, including Snickers, Starburst and Skittles, and according to the company, employs over 600 associates.
“We produce millions of Snickers, Skittles, and Starbursts a day, and 65% of the Snickers sold in the US are made here in Waco. Over 95% of Mars Wrigley Confectionery products sold in the US are also made locally by our team of almost 5,550 Associates located in our 14 domestic sites,” said Dan Braswell, Mars’ Waco site director.
“Over the last two years, we have added over 40 roles to this [Waco] site,” added Braswell. The new investment will also bring 10 more jobs.
According to Mars, the expanded distribution centre is expected to open in October 2018.
Braswell said, “The brands produced in Waco have seen fantastic growth. For example, Starbursts has grown seven times faster than all confectionery products in 2017.”
“This new investment will help us to bring new varieties of our iconic brands already produced in Waco, like Snickers Intense and Starburst Sweet Heat while also ensuring we continue to modernize our existing production and give even faster service to retailers across the country.”
Over the next few years, Mars are planning on investing $900m into its US supply chain.
