Sweet success: Mars factory in KAEC impresses governor

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah recently paid an official visit to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) where the Mars chocolate factory, one of the largest confectionery producing facilities in the GCC, was one of the highlights of the city tour. The governor expressed his admiration for the state-of-the-art facility, its contribution to the local production of quality products for the Saudi and regional markets, and commended the company’s business investment in KAEC as well as their commitment to local hiring and work force training and support.
KAEC has been drawing increasing interest from multinational companies and local investors, but the Mars factory, one of the earliest investors in the city, was the only company visited during the eminent delegation's tour of April 9, which included a visit to the King Abdullah port.
At the event, the governor was accompanied by several distinguished Saudi figures from governmental and business, including Prince Fawaz bin Nasser Al-Farhan, Abdullatif A. Al-Othman, governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), and Mohanud Abdul-Mohsin Helal, secretary general of the Economic Cities Authority (ECA), among others.
During the delegation’s official tour of the facility, Plant Manager Hisham Abdulwahab briefed Prince Mishaal on the quality-conscious production steps and latest technology involved in the chocolate molding process.
“We were honored that this esteemed delegation visited our facility. It is a testament to the hard work we’ve invested to build this state-of-the-art chocolate factory in which we have already invested $60 million.” said Mohamed Safieddine, general manager, Mars Saudi Arabia, who shared many insights into the company’s 30 year history in the Kingdom.
He also said that Mars has plans to invest a further $150 million over the next 10 years.