USA- Mars, the global confectionery and food conglomerate, has revealed plans for a substantial investment in a new 339,000-square-foot baking facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, for Nature’s Bakery, a rapidly growing brand specializing in granola and snack bars.
The announcement comes as Nature’s Bakery, founded in 2011, cements its position as the fastest-growing brand in the granola and snack bar category.
The new state-of-the-art facility, set to result from a US$237 million investment, is expected to play a pivotal role in Nature’s Bakery’s continued expansion and will facilitate the creation of over 190 jobs in the region.
The brand has built its reputation on crafting on-the-go snacks made from whole ingredients, emphasizing plant-based, dairy-free, and nut-free options.
Steve Gardiner, the CEO of Nature’s Bakery, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic expansion, stating, “I am thrilled for our strategic expansion with the establishment of a cutting-edge baking facility in Salt Lake City. This investment marks a significant milestone in our brand’s ability to drive greater capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer demand.”
Gardiner emphasized the importance of the new facility in reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality, highlighting their dedication to self-manufacturing.
“This facility joins our existing bakeries to reflect our commitment to innovation and quality and underscores our confidence in the thriving business environment of Utah. We look forward to contributing to the local economy, cultivating community, and creating job opportunities as we further our brand purpose of nourishing families and enabling them to thrive,” he added.
Juan Martin, the health and wellness president at Mars, echoed Gardiner’s sentiments, stating that this investment symbolizes the company’s dedication to scaling its brands responsibly, upholding Mars’ pledge to be America’s prime destination for insurgent brands.
Nature’s Bakery anticipates the commencement of operations at the new facility in July next year. The company’s strategic move aligns with Mars’ broader commitment to supporting insurgent brands and promoting responsible growth in the food and snack industry.
As Nature’s Bakery continues to gain momentum, this investment is poised to solidify its position in the market and contribute significantly to the local economy of Utah.
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