Mars breaks ground on new Topeka, Kan., facility

TOPEKA, Kan. — Mars Chocolate launched the first phase of its construction of a 350,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility located here on Tuesday.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, the facility is the first site Mars has built in 35 years to help it meet the growing demand for its candy products. The state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to be completed in 2013, will be built to meet leading-edge environmental standards, the company said. Additionally, Mars said it will seek a "gold" certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

"This new site represents Mars' commitment to manufacturing in the United States for the U.S. market," said Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate North America and Latina America. "We are proud to create jobs in America's heartland and are honored to partner with the Topeka community for years to come."