Mars opens new Skittles production line at Yorkville Wrigley factory

13-Jun-2016 - Last updated on 15-Jun-2016 at 09:57 GMT

In the past five years, Mars has invested $1 billion in U.S. factories and operations, creating more than 1,000 jobs.

Mars has expanded its Wrigley factory in Yorkville, Illinois, with a new Skittles line.

Wrigley’s Yorkville factory also produces Mars’ brands, including Life Savers, Doublemint and Juicy Fruit.

The $50m expansion will add 75 jobs - a 25% increase in the workforce at the facility - said the company.

Mars added that the expansion, which comes shortly after the brand launched new seasonal flavor Skittles America Mix, reflected the rapid growth of the brand.

“The new Skittles line in Yorkville is the latest example of Mars’ ongoing commitment to advancing the communities where it operates through economic investment, job creation and sustainable practices,” the company said.

Invested $1bn in US operations

“In the past five years, Mars has invested $1bn in US factories and operations, creating more than 1,000 jobs.”

Recent US investments by Mars include a new chocolate factory in Topeka, Kansas; expansion of a chocolate factory in Albany, Georgia; a new Mars Petcare Innovation Center in Thompson's Station, Tennessee; and construction of a new Mars Drinks campus in Westchester, New York.

The company said it plans to invest an additional $900m in expansion of operations and staff training and development over the next two years.