Mars invests $70M to support innovation, manufacturing in Hackettstown (PHOTOS)

Mars Inc. is celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the-art research & development facility in Warren County. As part of an ongoing effort to support innovation in products and processes, the Newark-based maker of candy, pet products and consumer packaged goods invested more than $70 million to build an innovation studio at its longtime campus in Hackettstown. According to Mars, the 20,000-square-foot site aims to help increase the speed of innovation and development to meet evolving consumer preferences. It will focus on some of the company’s most iconic U.S. brands, like M&M’S candy, Twix bars, Altoids mints and Extra gum. In addition to a prototyping kitchen and collaboration area, the space includes an updated packaging lab. That area will focus on creating and testing sustainable packaging solutions to advance the company’s contributions to a circular economy. The design of the new facility fosters enhance manufacturing efficiencies and advance food safety standards, Mars said. During a March 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mars Wrigley North America and Global Ice Cream President Anton Vincent said he was “incredibly proud” to mark the opening of the innovation studio and upgraded manufacturing capabilities. “Mars Wrigley continues to be invested in the State of New Jersey through our legacy of best-in-class innovation and manufacturing, helping to create industry-leading products, innovations, and experiences for our consumers,” Vincent said of the 113-year-old company. Mars first arrived in Newark during World War II and stayed there until 1958, when it moved operations to Hackettstown. Three years ago, Mars returned to its Newark roots thanks to a 10-year, $31.5 million tax credit through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The company also received a separate $1.15 million tax credit to renovate and expand its offices and factory in Hackettstown. With almost $45 billion in annual sales, Mars’ diverse and expanding portfolio of products includes some of the world’s best-loved brands, such as Milky Way, Skittles, Snickers, Ben’s Original, Pedigree, Dove, Skittles, Royal Canine, Orbit and Whiskas. It also manages pet health clinics and services, like Banfield Pet Hospital. The Hackettstown innovation studio’s opening comes about two months after Mars unveiled a $42 million, 40,000-square-foot snacking research & development hub in Chicago.