Mars Wrigley will spend $30 million expanding its chocolate manufacturing business in Ballarat. The investment will allow more variants on existing lines for M&M’s, Pods, and the new Mars Raspberry Smash as well as a new packaging line for Maltesers.
Snapshot
- Mars Wrigley’s Ballarat factory produces Maltesers, Milky Way, M&M’s, Mars, and Pods;
- M&M’s have been produced at the Ballarat factory since 1986;
- Pods were invented in Ballarat in 2004, and is the only factory in the world to produce them. Around 1 billion Pods pieces are made every year – that’s approximately 15 billion Pods since 2004;
- in 2020, the Ballarat factory could produce more than five billion M&M’S per year – a distance equivalent to traveling around Australia 3.5 times (56,000 kilometers); and
- products made in the Ballarat factory export to more than 17 countries.
Mars Wrigley Australia CEO Andrew Leakey said the goal is for more of its products to be made in Australia.
“The $30 million investment supports our ambition by enhancing our on-shore manufacturing technologies and capabilities to ensure our Australian business remains globally competitive.
“As one of Australia’s largest manufacturers, we recognise that we have an important role to play in helping future proof not only our business, but also the food and beverage manufacturing industry,” Leakey said.
The $30 million builds on the $37 million investment in equipment upgrades announced in 2020, which included new technology to produce M&M’s Pretzel locally.
The investment will also introduce a new packaging line for Maltesers to allow for increased volume of production, and unlocking increased export opportunities to growth markets across Asia during peak season demand.
Leakey said along with technological advancements, the company is committed to upskilling The new technological advancements at our Ballarat factory from this latest round investment will feed into our ongoing commitment to upskilling its employees for “a robust talent pipeline”.
