Mars Canada has expanded its Newmarket, Ontario-based facility for the manufacturing and packaging of Maltesers, milk chocolate-coated malt balls now available in the United Kingdom.
The company celebrated the completion of the $70 million, 60,000-sq.-ft. expansion on March 10. The addition required the creation of 30 new, full-time jobs, significantly increasing Mars’ manufacturing capacity in Ontario and its ability to serve the growing North American market.
Maltesers produced at the Newmarket facility will be sold across Canada and the United States, where the product is being launched for the first time. The expansion adds to Mars Canada's already significant presence in Ontario and will be a key pillar of growth for the Mars Canada chocolate business.
"This expansion builds on Mars' rich history in Canada and comes at an exciting time for our overall investment and growth in Canada," says Jeremy Daveau, general manager of Wrigley Canada, a division of Mars Canada. "Our Newmarket facility is the ideal home for Maltesers, with access to a highly skilled workforce, close proximity to the U.S. for export and potential for expansion."
The sustainable, nut-free facility brings together the best manufacturing, packaging and technology from Mars, Inc.'s global facilities. Operating at peak capacity, the facility will employ up to 150 people.
Created in England in 1936 by Forrest Mars Sr. and first sold in 1937, Maltesers contain a crisp, honeycombed center covered in chocolate. In addition to Maltesers, Mars Chocolate produces the Mars, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers brands at its Newmarket facility.
