Mars Chocolate North America announced that it will invest an additional $100 million in its Topeka, Kansas site, breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot facility in America's heartland. As part of this expansion, the company will create a total of 70 new full-time, permanent, high-wage manufacturing jobs.

"For over a century, Mars has been committed to making our products in the markets where we sell them," said Tracey Massey, president, Mars Chocolate North America. "We are grateful for the warm welcome and continued support we have received from Topeka and the state of Kansas, and we are pleased to further invest in the community with additional job creation and economic development."

As the company launches new innovations, it is committed to continuing to make its products in the U.S. Over 95 percent of Mars Chocolate products sold in the US are also made locally by the company's dedicated team of over 3,500 associates located in its 9 domestic sites. From roasting peanuts in Albany, Georgia to roasting cocoa beans to make our real chocolate in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, we take great pride in the fact that our products – from cocoa bean to chocolate bar to bite size M&M'S Brand Candies – are made in America.

While Mars was the first chocolate manufacturer to reduce single serve products to below 250 calories, in recent months the company has brought to market a range of new product offerings with a focus on introducing more options less than 200 calories. Earlier this year the company brought back M&M'S Crispy at 180 calories per serving and in August will launch nationally goodnessknows Snack Squares, a delicious and satisfying treat at 150 calories.

"Our consumers and retailers are demanding even greater choice, seeking more product variety across a range of format, calorie and price options," added Massey. "By further growing our footprint in the U.S., we will better be able to introduce new treats to satisfy the most diverse consumer appetites."

Mars' expansion in Topeka follows the grand opening of the facility in 2014, the first new Mars Chocolate North America site built in the last 35 years. With this expansion, Mars' investment in Topeka totals $430 million, today employing over 200 associates producing a variety of M&M'S Brand Candies and SNICKERS Bars. Named "Plant of the Year" by Food Engineering magazine, the facility is LEED Gold certified and meets Mars' stringent sustainability standards.