Mars Celebrates 50 Years of Candy in Waco
The Waco, Texas facility marked five decades of candy production with a $165 million investment since 2024.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Manufacturing
Mars marked 50 years of candy production at its Waco, Texas facility, which employs nearly 900 Associates. The company has invested $165 million in the site since 2024, focusing on energy efficiency and operational excellence.
Why it matters
The anniversary reflects sustained manufacturing investment in the Waco area, with ongoing capital projects tied to energy efficiency and operations. Local officials recognized the milestone with a resolution and a state certificate.
The Waco site has operated for 50 years and employs nearly 900 Associates, with $165 million invested since 2024. The extraction does not specify how the investment is allocated across projects or how it compares to prior periods.
The players
Mars
Mars is a global candy and food company that is on the Candy Industry Global Top 100 Candy Companies list.
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott is the Governor of Texas who recognized the Waco site with a formal certificate.
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce is a local business advocacy organization in Waco, Texas, of which Mars is a long-time member.
The details
Mars has expanded and modernized the Waco facility over five decades, and recent capital projects focus on energy efficiency and operational excellence. Representatives Pat Curry, Angelia Orr, and Senator-elect David L. Cook issued a celebratory resolution, and Governor Greg Abbott recognized the site with a formal certificate.
Timeline
Since 2024: Mars invested $165 million in the Waco facility.
Past five decades: Mars expanded and modernized the Waco site.
Fifty years: Mars has operated the Waco, Texas facility.
Industry Landscape
Mars's presence on the Candy Industry Global Top 100 Candy Companies list places the Waco facility within the leading tier of global candy producers. The 50-year operating history of the Waco plant reflects long-term manufacturing commitment in an industry dominated by established multinational brands.
Residents in the Waco area may see continued employment and local investment tied to the facility's ongoing projects. The extraction does not describe changes to product pricing or availability for consumers.
The takeaway
The Waco anniversary illustrates how long-running manufacturing sites can anchor local employment and attract sustained capital investment. Energy efficiency and operational upgrades remain a central focus of ongoing projects.
Further reading
For more on local production, see Manufacturing coverage across the Waco area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Snackandbakery.
