Mars, a major U.S.-based maker of iconic food and pet care brands, has announced plans to invest $2 billion in its domestic manufacturing operations by the end of 2026. This new commitment builds on the $6 billion already invested over the past five years in U.S. facilities and expansion.
Why This Investment Matters
Here’s the thing: 94% of Mars products sold in the U.S. are already made domestically. This new capital will strengthen production capacity, support innovation across its food, snacks, and pet-care lines, and position the company for sustained growth in its biggest market.
Claus Aagaard, Mars CFO, called this a strategy to build a “stronger, more resilient business” that grows with consumers, delivers for partners, and supports communities nationwide.
Major Projects Underway
Nature’s Bakery Facility in Utah
A $240 million plant opens in Salt Lake City, spanning over 339,000 square feet. Slated to produce nearly 1 billion snack bars annually, it’s expected to create more than 230 jobs.
Royal Canin Pet Food Plant in Ohio
Mars opened a $450 million dry pet food facility in Lewisburg this year. It’s the brand’s largest globally and has added up to 270 new jobs.
In addition, Mars plans upgrades to legacy sites, increasing automation and modernizing operations across its network.
Broader Context
This isn’t just about scaling factories. Mars is also eyeing innovation: it recently launched a $250 million fund aimed at supporting advances in sustainability, low-emission ingredients, and circular packaging—all to complement the production upgrades.
The move falls amid a broader push by U.S. companies to shore up domestic production in response to past tariffs. Mars sees this as a long-term play aligned with evolving consumer demand: plant-based snacks, whole grain options, and portion-controlled products are on the rise.
Mars is also in the middle of a $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, maker of Pringles, Cheez-It, Eggo and Pop-Tarts. While clear under U.S. review, the deal is currently under EU antitrust scrutiny and could face delays through late 2025.
Impact in Numbers
| Metric | Value |
| Total new investment | $2 billion |
| Past investment since 2020 | $6 billion |
| Share of U.S.-sold products made in the U.S. | 94% |
| Nature’s Bakery jobs added | 230+ |
| Royal Canin jobs added in Ohio | ~270 |
| U.S. employees hired over last five years | ~9,000 |
What This Really Means
Mars isn’t tinkering, it’s doubling down. The move signals confidence in American consumers and a bet on in-country manufacturing. It positions Mars not only to meet demand today but also to innovate for tomorrow. Expect healthier snacks, smarter packaging and more pet care capacity, all built closer to customers.
For communities like Salt Lake City and Lewisburg, it means jobs, capital, and economic lift. For Mars, it’s part of a bigger strategy: expand through acquisition, modernize operations, and lead with sustainability.
Bottom Line
Mars’s $2 billion push into U.S. manufacturing through 2026 stacks on previous investment and underscores a serious long-term vision. With nearly all of their products already made in the U.S., these expansions and modernizations aim to future proof their business while delivering on consumer trends and community impact.
