Mars to Invest Heavily in US Operations and Facilities by 2027

Mars' Strategic Investments: A Boost to U.S. Operations and Employment

In a significant move towards expansion, Mars is earmarking over $34 million for the establishment of three BluePearl pet hospitals across Ellicott City, Maryland, and Austin and Katy, Texas. These facilities, together with a new Banfield hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, are projected to open in early 2027, creating up to 195 new jobs ^[1]. In addition, Mars is channeling $60 million into two Trü Frü frozen fruit lines inside its expansive $240 million Nature's Bakery factory in Salt Lake City, and a further $49 million into its Columbus, Ohio, wet pet food plant. This latter investment aims to initiate the U.S. production of Temptations Lickable Treats ^[1].

The candy division remains robust, with the Waco, Texas, plant, responsible for producing iconic brands such as Snickers, Starburst, and Skittles, having already received $165 million since 2024 ^[1].

Further extending its footprint in the food industry, Mars accomplished a $35.9 billion acquisition of Pringles and Cheez-It manufacturer Kellanova on December 11, 2025. This acquisition added 15 more production facilities within the U.S. ^[1][3]. Currently, Mars employs approximately 80,000 people across the nation. Highlighting the domestic focus of its operations, CFO Claus Aagaard noted, "Ninety-four percent of the Mars products sold in the U.S. are made here" ^[1].

This commitment reflects a broader trend among food and beverage companies to invest heavily in U.S. facilities, often focusing on modernizing current sites, despite the challenges posed by inflation, as noted by Manufacturing Dive ^[2].