US-headquartered confectionery giant Mars has broken ground on a $82m production line for Twix chocolate bars in Egypt, in order to cater to the Middle East and African markets.The new manufacturing facility is located at the company's existing factory in 6th of October City and is the company's first Twix production line in the country. It will export over 70% of its production to the Middle East, and Africa, positioning Egypt as a key regional export hub for Mars.
Mars North Africa and Levant general manager Karim Chabara said that this expansion brings the company's investment in Egypt to more than $200m.
"The new production line is part of a strategic investment plan that will allow us to continue to deliver quality products to our consumers," Chabara added.
Mars stated that the company's growth in the region has been driven by the Egyptian market coupled with its expansion plan and has allowed it to create hundreds of direct jobs and thousands more indirect jobs.
The company plans to source majority of its raw materials from Egypt, which is expected to create a multiplier effect in terms of job creation.
Mars North Africa and Levant Human Resources director Amira El Shabrawy said that developing and nurturing Egyptian talent is an important priority for Mars.
"We are going to invest in Egyptian talent through offering trainings, internships and partnerships with various educational establishments," El Shabrawy added.
The new production line will meet LEED Gold standards, as part of the company's commitment to protecting the environment, making it the first food facility in Egypt to comply with such international standard. The LEED Gold Certificate from the Green Building Council (USGBC) assures better standards in electricity usage, natural lighting, and water waste recovery management as well as waste management and recycling.
