Mars International India signs MOU with Maharashtra govt

The MOU was signed between Apoorva Chandra, IAS, Principal Secretary, Deptt of Industries and M V Natarajan, GM, Mars International India (Chocolate) in the presence of Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Devendra Fadanavis and Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Govt of Maharashtra.

 

This investment is a significant step in deepening Mars International India’s presence and commitment to India. Mars Inc., the global leader in manufacturing chocolate, intends to invest Rs.1005 crores (over $160 million) through its Pune plant. 

 

It is designed to deliver Mars’ quality products to the consumer and positively impact the communities within which they operate by providing local employment opportunities and community engagement program.

 

The project is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for over 200 people and indirect employment opportunities to over 1000 people, and bringing in the relevant know-how, operational excellence and global best practices. The plant will produce Mars’ world renowned brands Snickers and Galaxy to cater to the growing chocolate demand across the country.

 

Commenting on the announcement Fadanavis, said, “Given the global legacy of Mars Inc., we welcome Mars International India’s latest investment of Rs.1005 crores  in Pune, Maharashtra as a step towards bringing its world class products to India, which will be liked by the youth and people, all alike. The environment friendly plant will boost the economy and generate employment opportunities in Pune. This will be a great story of success for MAKE IN INDIA- MAKE IN MAHARASHTRA as currently all their products are being imported in India. We wish this project a great success.”

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, MV Natarajan, General Manager, Mars International India, said, “This initiative reiterates our continued commitment to India. Chocolate industry in India is growing at nearly 20% every year and we see this as a huge opportunity to expand our chocolate portfolio in the country in the coming years.  We are thankful to the Govt. of Maharashtra, Honorable Chief Minister –Shri. Devendra Phadanavis and the Shri. Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, for conferring the status of ‘Mega Project’ to our greenfield project. Pune is an investor friendly and progressive city and we are delighted to deepen our commitment to India with our investment of Rs.1005 crores (Rupees one thousand and five crores) there."

 

"The climate, geography, talent availability, proximity to port, therefore to raw material and the proximity to demand cluster, makes Pune one of the most viable locations for chocolate manufacturing. 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,” said he.

 

Ehab Abou-Oaf, Regional President, Mars Chocolate, Asia Pacific, said, “India is a high priority market for Mars. We are here because we have a long term view of business in India, to deliver sustainable, generational growth leading to mutual benefits for all our industry, our suppliers, our customers and consumers. India is one of the most rapidly emerging chocolate markets in the world and we hope to capitalize on that through this manufacturing plant. We are excited to have invested in a highly potential market like India which is poised for further growth.”