Yesterday Mars Chocolate North America associates celebrated with government officials, company executives and project partners to unveil two monumental projects: the state's largest solar garden installed by a food manufacturer and the renovated, cutting-edge Mars Chocolate North America headquarters. The state-of-the-art Hackettstown site, which encompasses offices and a manufacturing plant, now represents the company's iconic brands in a way that is "magical, collaborative and sustainable."

"Mars Chocolate North America has the opportunity to make a difference in the world we serve," said Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate North America. "Our headquarters in Hackettstown has demonstrated our commitment with projects like the solar garden and the renovations that greatly improve the way we operate and the environment in which our associates work."

Lachman cut the ribbon to the solar garden along with Mars Incorporated's Corporate Ombudsman Victoria Mars, Diana Drysdale of PSEG Solar Source, Hackettstown Mayor Michael B. Lavery and various government officials.

The solar garden is comprised of more than 28,000 ground-mounted solar panels on 18 acres adjacent to Mars Chocolate North America's headquarters, where more than 1,200 associates work and M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies are manufactured. The solar garden provides approximately 20 percent of the plant's peak energy consumption, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 190 vehicles from the road each year. A long-term partnership between Mars Chocolate North America and PSEG Solar Source will ensure the solar garden's success.

The significant renovations to the Mars Chocolate North America headquarters were designed to help retain existing staff, attract new talent and improve productivity. The colorful, open design encourages flexible, more efficient ways of working, including a variety of unassigned work spaces and conference rooms, each featuring unique seating arrangements "“ from booths with bench seats to cafe seating and upholstered chairs paired with small coffee tables.

With the environmentally friendly renovations completed, the company will apply for LEED Gold Certification. A few of the enhancements include the installation of water-conserving fixtures that reduce water usage by more than 30 percent; a reduction in energy use by 15 percent through the use of a newly upgraded Building Energy Management System, variable frequency drives and energy-efficient lighting and controls; an upgraded roof utilizing a highly reflective roofing material that offsets the direct heat gain to the building; and the utilization of more than 20 percent recycled content in materials, from carpet to ceiling tiles.

About Mars Chocolate North America:
Mars Chocolate North America is the United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the United States, Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Mount Olive, N.J., Mars North America employs more than 12,000 associates in the United States, with 54 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US, headquartered in Hackettstown, N.J., includes some of the world's favorite brands such as DOVE(R) Brand Chocolate, M&M'S(R) Brand, MILKY WAY(R) Brand(R) , SNICKERS(R) Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand, TWIX(R) Brand and more. Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats. Please visit www.mars.com.

Mars, Incorporated

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