Standing Tall In Topeka: An in-depth looks at Mars' first U.S. plant in 35 years
Designed to accommodate growth for the next 50 years, the $270 million, 500,000-sq.-ft. plant incorporates sustainable design and engineering elements.
As the car approaches the building — a colossal combination of glass and concrete — it quickly becomes evident that this is a Mars Chocolate North America manufacturing facility. The large plastic M&M’S Characters protruding from the outside walls immediately convey the message that candy is produced here.
That message is reinforced upon coming to the front door where a bright, green, 36-ft. diameter wide M&M’S branded canopy shelters Mars associates and visitors from the Kansan elements. Once security clears the visitor, a familiar layout takes charge, an open area consisting of individual desks without walls — it’s a Mars trademark throughout the globe.