Mars Wrigley unveils Ballarat investment

Mars Wrigley has announced a $25.5 million investment into its Ballarat factory in the next 12 months.

This marks a continuing pattern of significant development at the site to boost local production of chocolates like M&M’s, MALTESERS and PODS, with the company having invested $67 million over the last two years.

The investment will be used to boost the manufacturing capabilities for the plant, improving its raw cocoa and melted chocolate production, and increasing its work in using sustainable packaging. General operational efficiency upgrades will also be performed, as will modernisation of some manufacturing practices.

Andrew Leakey, General Manager — Mars Wrigley Australia, said: “We have a commitment of making the majority of our product portfolio here in Australia, and we are cementing this further by unlocking greater capabilities to create new consumer-led product innovation whilst accelerating our sustainable packaging focus locally.

“This new round of investment will support this ambition by improving our domestic processing and manufacturing capabilities and continue our long and proud legacy of manufacturing in Ballarat.

“As one of Australia’s largest snacks and treats manufacturers, we strive to respond to evolving consumption habits and new consumer trends in the market.

“This latest investment will allow us to bolster our production capabilities for our Bitesize Portfolio, which will be critical to our growth over the coming three years. We see substantial opportunities in this space, with a number of exciting projects currently underway.”

Mars Wrigley Australia has been manufacturing locally in Ballarat for more than 40 years.

Image credit: iStock.com/SvetaVo