Mars is expanding its presence in the U.S. as it looks to shut down a facility in Canada early next year.

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and Mars Chocolate North America are planning to create 175 new, full-time, permanent, high-wage manufacturing jobs Georgia, and 20 new jobs in Albany.  

However, Mars says it’s Georgia expansion is tied to its decision to shut down its Toronto factory, which is slated to close in March 2016.

Specifically, in Georgia, over the next two years, Wrigley’s Flowery Branch facility will see 155 new associates. The extra staff will support additional production of Orbit gum, the company’s largest gum brand in the U.S., and Excel gum, its most popular in Canada.

“Wrigley has been part of the Georgia community for more than 40 years,” says Jim FitzGerald, factory director, Wrigley’s at Flowery Branch. “We continue to support the community with job creation and economic development by expanding our factory’s sugarfree gum production. We’re happy to have worked in partnership with the state to add this capacity to our facility,”

The Georgia factory, which already employs 670 associates, also produces popular gums including Juicy Fruit, Extra, and 5.

Mars Chocolate North America is also tapping into its Albany factory to add production for the upcoming national launch of goodnessknows Snack Squares. The company expects to add 20 jobs to its facility over the next three years.

“At Mars we have been proud to call Albany home for over 50 years and we are excited to play such an important role in introducing goodnessknows, bringing more great tasting snacking options to people across the country,” says Mack Phillips, Albany site director, Mars Chocolate North America.

goodnessknows, a tasty and satisfying treat, is crafted with whole nuts, real fruits, toasted oats and dark chocolate. Launching nationally in August, this newest innovation from Mars Chocolate North America is part of a long-term commitment to health and well-being, that includes more choices for consumers to enjoy.

Mars Chocolate North America’s Albany factory, which already employs 175 associates, also produces Combos Variety Snacks and Marathon Energy Bars. This site also sources and roasts peanuts from local shellers to be used in Snickers Bars and M&M’S Peanut Butter Candies. The goodnessknows production line started running in May.

The company’s growth in the state of Georgia was assisted by the state as well as Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

“I have seen first-hand the caliber of this company’s corporate culture and enthusiasm for its products,” says Governor Nathan Deal. “It is clear Mars, Inc. continues to succeed in Georgia, which speaks volumes about our skilled workforce. This leading global company is able to provide for its customers by leveraging our solid logistics infrastructure and dynamic network of companies. We look forward to its continued growth in Flowery Branch and Albany.”