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Mars Inc. plans to spend $2 billion by the end of 2026 to expand its manufacturing presence in the U.S. and boost product development.

After investing $6 billion over the past five years in domestic manufacturing, the food giant said it produces more than 94% of the products sold in the U.S. locally. It has also added 9,000 jobs to the economy.

Now with the latest commitment, Mars said it aims to increase production to help meet demand and provide the capabilities to add new offerings, as well as innovate existing items.

While Mars is based in Virginia, the company has longstanding ties to New Jersey, where it has facilities in Newark and Hackettstown.

Although best known for candy and sweets, Mars’ diverse and expanding portfolio also features pet food and snacks. The company’s lineup of 40-plus brands includes M&M’s, Snickers, Ben’s Original, Kind, Dove, Whiskas, Pedigree, Extra, Royal Canin, Twix and Cesar. It also owns an international network of pet hospitals and a global veterinary diagnostics business.

The $55 billion family-owned business is also in the process of buying consumer packaged goods company Kellanova for nearly $36 billion. Kellanova’s snack-heavy business is home to banners such as Cheez-It, Eggo, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats and NutriGrain.

In a July 29 press release, Mars Chief Financial Officer Claus Aagaard said, “This investment is about building a stronger, more resilient business in the U.S. – one that can grow with our consumers, deliver for our partners, and create lasting economic impact in the communities where we operate.”

“The U.S. is our biggest and most important market, and a key engine of growth for the long term – not only through our legacy manufacturing footprint but also through the expansion of strategic acquisitions,” he said.

Building blocks

According to Mars, the $2 billion investment includes a $240 million facility for better-for-you snack bar Nature’s Bakery in Utah. The 339,000-square-foot plant will create more than 230 new jobs in the region and expand the brand’s capacity to produce nearly 1 billion bars annually.

Mars acquired the family-owned company in 2020 for $400 million.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the next round of investments will include automating and modernizing older sites, too.