Mars invests US$2B to strengthen US production, opens Nature’s Bakery plant in Utah

U.S.A. – Mars, Incorporated, is investing US$2 billion in U.S. manufacturing by 2026, starting with a new US$240 million Nature’s Bakery facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This multi-billion-dollar investment reinforces Mars’ commitment to U.S. manufacturing, where 94% of its U.S. product portfolio is made locally. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than US$6 billion in its American operations.

“This investment is about building a stronger, more resilient business in the U.S. – one that can grow with our consumers, deliver for our partners, and create lasting economic impact in the communities where we operate,” said Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars, Incorporated. 

Aagaard described the U.S. as Mars’ most important market, not only because of its deep-rooted manufacturing presence but also due to strategic acquisitions like Nature’s Bakery, which has shown rapid growth since its acquisition in 2021

“That’s why we’ve committed US$6 billion to U.S. manufacturing in the last five years, with another US$2 billion planned by the end of next year,” he said.

The new 339,000+ square-foot site will significantly expand Nature’s Bakery’s production capacity, enabling the brand to bake nearly one billion bars annually and create more than 230 new jobs in the region.  

“The biggest step we can take to meet our growth goals is making more of the snacks people love, and this new baking facility helps us do exactly that,” said Steve Gardiner, CEO of Nature’s Bakery. 

“It gives us the space to grow today and tomorrow, while letting us bake even more efficiently and with even higher quality. Most importantly, it allows us to keep delivering wholesome, feel-good snacks to more families across the country, wherever and whenever they need them,” Gardiner added. 

Mars acquired Nature’s Bakery in March 2021, and since then, the brand is on pace to more than double its size from 2020 to now.

Local economic impact and community engagement

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall welcomed the new development, noting that Nature’s Bakery has brought economic opportunity and shown a strong commitment to the community even before production has begun.

“From supporting local schools to showing up at events across the city, they’ve embraced our residents with generosity and heart. We’re proud to welcome them to Salt Lake City,” Mendenhall stated.

Blas Maquivar, Global President of Mars’ Health & Wellness Division, said the snacking category continues to grow in importance in the U.S., with evolving consumer preferences driving the need for innovation. 

He noted that Mars’ investment in the new Salt Lake City-based Nature’s Bakery facility will help expand the brand’s reach and strengthen its better-for-you product offerings.

Facility designed for growth, efficiency, and sustainability

Strategically located in Salt Lake City’s Mountain West neighborhood, the new site helps improve national distribution and reduces delivery distances to retailers. 

The new bakery facility is LEED Silver-certified and is expected to lower trucking-related CO₂ emissions by an estimated 5,700 tons annually. 

The facility also features smart automation, including innovative systems for ingredient delivery, mixing, and cooling. 

These advancements allow Nature’s Bakery to not only enhance food safety and consistency but also evolve many manual roles into higher-skilled positions, creating greater opportunities for long-term career development for associates. 

With the new facility and broader investment strategy, Mars reinforces its commitment to expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint and driving sustainable, community-centered growth.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.