Candy maker Mars Chocolate North America recently announced plans to build its first new U.S. manufacturing facility in 35 years using sustainable building practices.
According to company officials, the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be built in Topeka, Kansas, and be used to make Mars' popular candy brands, including Snickers and M&Ms.
When the first phase of this building project is completed in 2013, Mars will begin to manufacture its brands. As a result, the company expects to hire approximately 200 new full-time employees to work on the site's product lines.
"This will be the most significant economic development for Topeka and Shawnee County in many years," said Steve Jenkins, the senior vice president of the GO Topeka Economic Partnership. "The positive economic impact for the community will endure for decades."
In addition to reflecting Mars' commitment to the Kansas economy, the new facility reflects the company's dedication to sustainable business practices, as the manufacturing site will be constructed to meet leading-edge environmental standards. Once completed, company officials plan to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for the facility.
