Mars Wrigley Australia invests $6.5M in new line for NSW production expansion

Mars Wrigley Australia has commissioned a new production line which will increase capacity at its Asquith (NSW) gum and mints factory by more than 60 per cent.

The $6.5 million investment means more of its Extra gum bottle will be made on Australian shores, incorporating circular-by-design packing technology that will eliminate 13 tonnes of soft plastics each year.

“This investment provides significant additional capacity to deliver the products our customers love and enjoy,” Mars Wrigley Australia plant manager Daniel Firth said.

“In addition, our engineers and packaging technologist have been able to deploy new technology to remove around 2,200km of soft-plastic wrap per year, which is consistent with our goal of reducing the amount of plastic packaging we use.”

Asquith forms a key part of Mars’ Australian manufacturing operations, which includes other New South Wales sites in Bathurst and Wyong, Victorian sites in Ballarat and Wodonga, and Wacol in Queensland.

The factory, located north of Sydney, employs 190 people and has operated continuously since 1958. The plant is solely responsible for manufacturing all locally made Mars Wrigley gum and mints products sold in Australia, including much brands such as Extra, Eclipse, PK and Juicy Fruit.

Mars Wrigley has been manufacturing in Australia continuously since 1915, when the Wrigley company first established a factory in Melbourne.

Since 1958, the factory has produced Wrigley’s complete portfolio of Australian-made gum and mints brands. Wrigley was purchased by Mars in 2009.

“The Asquith site is an incredibly important part of our business and Mars’ history in Australia,” Mars Wrigley Australia general manager Michael Ryan said.

“Australia has always played an incredibly important role for Mars globally, which is reflected in our rich history and track record of continued investment.”

“This investment signifies our continued belief in the growth potential of the category, and also our belief in local manufacturing and the economic health and prosperity of our communities.”