Mars has set an example for others by opening its manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), says Mohannad Helal, secretary general of Economic Cities Authority.

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mars on the launch of its superb factory. The inaugural event is another milestone for KAEC and a shining example of our success in attracting leading global companies to establish their manufacturing facilities in the Industrial Valley,” Helal added.

At the forefront of KAEC’s master planned development is Industrial Valley, a new logistics and manufacturing hub, and KAEC has succeeded in attracting more than 80 national and international industrial companies.

Pamela Mars, executives from Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and KAEC and Muhammad Yusuf Naghi of Naghi group, US Consul General Todd Holmstrom attended the official launch of Mars Saudi Arabia's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in KAEC, Rabigh on Tuesday. High-level government officials and dignitaries from the business community were among others present.

The new factory, which produces a range of Galaxy brand chocolates, is the first food manufacturing facility in the Kingdom to achieve LEED — gold certification.

Mars’ $80 million investment in the factory to date reflects the company’s continued commitment to world-class, sustainable manufacturing, and Mars’ confidence in the country’s strong leadership and dynamic work force.

“Mars is one of our key partners in Industrial Valley. We are happy that they are already on the ground. Mars is a very responsible company. They are now talking about 60 percent Saudization, which is something to be excited about. We target to expand our partnership with them to make them competitive in Saudi Arabia and in the region,” said Rayan M. Qutub, CEO, Industrial Valley, KAEC.

He said: “We are working on that by forecasting their needs and integrating their supply chains. And making sure their service providers, their suppliers, their customers are close to them, so again we can ensure speed and lower costs.”

KAEC also offers a wide range of housing solutions that are suitably priced for different income levels. “Our objective is to give housing to all levels of income,” Qutub added.

“Our products have been present in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years, and we are proud that they are among the Kingdom’s favorites. So, it is very exciting that we now employ Saudi nationals to manufacture the products right here,” said Sami Darouni, president of Mars Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

“This factory reaffirms our long-term commitment to this market, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in the development of local talent. In fact, we have achieved platinum level in the Ministry of Labor’s Nitaqat program, which measures the percentage of Saudis employed by our business," Darouni added.

In addition to investments in the local work force as demonstrated in its inaugural manufacturing plant, Mars has put its principles into action by ensuring that the operation takes into account environmental requirements.

It is built according to LEED gold standard, which is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building. The factory’s advanced technology will guarantee efficiency not only in terms of production quality but also in terms of practices in renewable energy, solar energy and wastewater treatment, Darouni added.

When asked whether Mars still maintains its top position, he said the acquisition of the William J. Wrigley Jr. Company in 2009 made it the largest confectionery company and the third largest food manufacturer worldwide.

Darouni added: “Mars is an outstanding example of a global company, both in international manufacturing and global distribution. We are overall the leaders in chocolates.”

After the Mars factory launch at KAEC, Fahad Mahamoud Khan, people and organization manager, Mars Saudi Arabia, told Arab News: "It was a proud moment and experience for me to see the dream come true and be part of the project team who worked on building the foundations of a state-of-the-art factory at 60 percent Saudization. Two years ago it was a piece of land in the desert. Today, it is the first factory in Saudi Arabia with Leed gold certification that shows the highest levels of sustainability and produces the leading chocolate brand GALAXY proudly made in Saudi Arabia."

Mars entered the Saudi market over 30 years ago with the MARS, SNICKERS, BOUNTY and TWIX brands.