American chocolate manufacturer Mars’ Indian unit is planning to invest INR1,005 crore ($160m) to establish its first manufacturing plant in Pune, India.
Mars International India has now signed a MoU with the government of Maharashtra to set up a greenfield project in the state, Business Standard reported.
Mars International India general manager M V Natarajan was quoted by Business Standard as saying: "Chocolate industry in India is growing at nearly 20 per cent every year and we see this as a huge opportunity to expand our chocolate portfolio in the country in the coming years.
"Our Pune plant is planned to be completely eco-friendly and a Leed Gold certified facility. This will boost our production capacity and efficiently support the growing demand for Mars chocolates in India."
Mars has been offering its products in the country for the last four years, including chocolate bars such as Snickers and Galaxy.
The company also said that this new investment will create 200 direct and indirect employment opportunities for more than 1000 people.
In December 2014, Mars Saudi Arabia unveiled its first chocolate factory in the Kingdom at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.
Image: The new plant in India will be manufacturing Mar's international product brands Snicker and Galaxy. Photo: courtesy of Mister GC/ freedigitalphotos.net.
