Mars to open production unit in Saudi Arabia

US-headquartered confectionery giant Mars plans to set up a production facility in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Rabigh, Saudi Arabia, with an investment of SAR225m ($60m).

The facility, which will span over 100,000ft², will initially manufacture Galaxy and Galaxy Jewels chocolate bars. It will produce four additional brands once new production lines are installed.

The plant is expected to be operational by 2014 and the company will invest an additional SR562m ($150m) in the factory over the next ten years. The facility is expected to be one of the largest chocolate factories in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Mars Middle East, Turkey & Africa regional president Sami Darouni said: "Developing and nurturing Saudi talent is a priority for Mars, and we are going to invest in the Kingdom’s talented people by offering them training and internship."

The company also plans to partner with local educational establishments and create opportunities for Saudi women in fields such as marketing, sales, finance, engineering, as well as research and development.

The new factory will be built as per the environmental sustainability standards of Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED).

Mars has already invested $50m in Saudi Arabia and has become a leading chocolate manufacturer in the Middle East, producing brands such as Galaxy, Galaxy Jewels, Snickers and Mars.