The 500,000 sq ft is the first new site Mars has opened in the US in the past 35 years.
“This new $270 million facility, which will bring 200 new jobs to Topeka, is one of the largest investments in Mars history,” said Debra A. Sandler, President, Mars Chocolate North America.”
Mars said it had considered 80 potential sites in 17 States for the new plant, but settled on Topeka due to strong rail links, utilities access and commitments from state and local leaders.
The company began work on the site in 2011. The plant will send no waste to landfill to achieve U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).