Mars Wrigley Australia has invested $6.5 million into its Asquith gum and mints factory, commissioning a new production line which the company says will increase capacity by more than 60 per cent.
The factory, located north of Sydney, employs 190 people and has operated continuously since 1958 to produce Wrigley’s complete portfolio of Australian-made gum and mints brands, including Extra, Eclipse, PK and Juicy Fruit.
The $6.5 million investment means more flavours of Wrigley’s Extra sugar-free gum will now be produced on Australian shores, including Spearmint, White Spearmint, Intense Mint, Peppermint, White Peppermint, White Bubblemint and Strawberry. The new line also incorporates circular-by-design packaging technology, which the company states will eliminate thirteen tonnes of soft plastics each year.
Mars Wrigley Australia plant manager, Daniel Firth, said the investment provides significant additional capacity to support the company in delivering products its customers enjoy.
“In addition, our engineers and packaging technologist have been able to deploy new technology to remove around 2200 kilometres of soft-plastic wrap per year, which is consistent with our goal of reducing the amount of plastic packaging we use,” said Firth.
The company has been vocal about sustainability and plastic waste reduction, investing almost $100 million since 2021 in moving to flexible paper-based wrappers for its chocolate bar lines, produced at its Ballarat factory.
Mars Wrigley Australia's recently appointed general manager, Michael Ryan, said the Asquith site is an important part of the business and Mars’ history in Australia.
“Australia has always played an incredibly important role for Mars globally, which is reflected in our rich history and track record of continued investment,” said Ryan.
“Our gum and mints business is an important part of our portfolio and one that consistently performs well. This investment signifies our continued belief in the growth potential of the category, and also our belief in local manufacturing and the economic health and prosperity of our communities.”
Mars Wrigley’s other Australian manufacturing operations include New South Wales sites in Bathurst and Wyong, Victorian sites in Ballarat and Wodonga, and Wacol in Queensland.
