Mars Ramps Up Production At Georgia Plants

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA -- Mars Inc. said its Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and Mars Chocolate North America business units are expanding their workforces to support increased production at its Georgia factories.

Wrigley is adding 155 new workers over two years at its Flowery Branch facility to support additional production of Orbit, the company's largest gum brand in the U.S., and Excel, Canada's leading gum brand.

The factory, which already employs 670 people, also produces such gum brands as Juicy Fruit, Extra and "5." The expansion is a result of moving production from the company's Toronto factory, which will close in March 2016.

Mars Chocolate's Albany factory will add production for the upcoming national launch of Goodnessknows Snack Squares. The company expects to add 20 jobs to the facility over the next three years. The Albany factory, which already employs 175 people, also produces Combos and Marathon Energy Bars, and sources and roasts local peanuts used in Snickers bars and M&M's Peanut candies.

PHOTO:Albany, GA, Mayor Nathan Deal joins Mars Chocolate North America leadership team at his city's plant to celebrate addition of Goodnessknows snack squares to production line.