MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Mars Wrigley, the global leader in confectionery and snacking, is marking a momentous milestone: 60 years of manufacturing in the Philippines. Known for its globally beloved brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, and Doublemint, the company commemorates six decades of operational excellence, innovation and social responsibility, anchored in its Philippine manufacturing facility in Antipolo City.
Originally established in Pasig in 1965, Mars Wrigley’s local operations relocated to Antipolo in 1999. Over time, the site has evolved into a regional manufacturing hub, producing up to 30 metric tons of chewing gum daily – 86% of which is exported to key Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos and Brunei. Today, the Antipolo plant plays a dual role: a strategic export facility and a vital source of local employment for hundreds of Filipinos.
“We’re proud to call Antipolo City home to one of our most important manufacturing facilities in the region,” said Salazar Maquito, Factory Director, Mars Wrigley Antipolo, Philippines. “This milestone is not just a celebration of 60 years in history and tradition but also looks forward to a bright future that continues to give back to the people and the planet.”
In celebration of its diamond anniversary, Mars Wrigley brought together its associates, business partners, media and local government leaders at its Antipolo plant for a commemorative event that included a facility tour and operational walkthrough. The occasion underscored the company’s broader commitments to diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship – key pillars in its long-term vision of “The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.”
Kalpesh Parmar, General Manager of Mars Wrigley Asia said, “Here at Mars, the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. While we may be measured by financial performance, we also remain guided by our deep commitment to generating positive societal impact, establishing trusted partnerships with stakeholders and investing in opportunities that enable us to grow for the next 100 years. Operating with this balance of purpose and values ensures we sustain and thrive together with the communities we source, produce and employ from.”
Central to Mars Wrigley Antipolo’s sustainability strategy is its transition to renewable thermal energy. In 2024, the company installed a biomass boiler system, a USD 1 million investment that has already reduced carbon emissions by approximately 679 tons annually. The system uses rice husks and coconut shells sourced from nearby farming communities, simultaneously lowering the facility’s environmental impact and enhancing local livelihoods.
Looking ahead, the company is set to invest an additional USD 2 million over the next three years to further upgrade its infrastructure, packaging lines, and employee wellness facilities – demonstrating its belief in shared prosperity through responsible business practices.
Mars Wrigley Philippines currently employs over 170 associates, many of whom have been with the company for more than two decades. The company sees long-term employment not merely as talent retention but as a testament to its values-driven culture. The Antipolo plant is also pioneering in its efforts toward gender parity, with a 50:50 gender ratio target and female representation in leadership roles.
Supportive initiatives include a dedicated breastfeeding room for returning mothers, prayer and social rooms for diverse religious practices, and structured programs to ease the transition from maternity leave back to work. These inclusive practices are integral to Mars Wrigley’s people first approach and serve as a model for employee-centric manufacturing in the region.
Mars Wrigley’s influence extends beyond its factory walls. The company has long-standing partnerships with non-governmental organizations to create economic and social opportunities for underserved populations in Antipolo and nearby communities.
Among these initiatives is the Experiential Learning Program – a training-to-employment pathway aimed at enhancing skills and employability for disadvantaged groups. Partnerships with Smile Train and the YULA Women’s Initiative further exemplify Mars Wrigley’s commitment to community empowerment through inclusive employment.
Moreover, the Mars Wrigley Foundation, one of the largest contributors to Save the Children Philippines recently approved a USD 100,000 grant for the CHILL (Connecting, Helping, Informing, and Learning Lounges) project. This program provides safe spaces and essential health services for adolescents, helping address critical social and developmental challenges in Antipolo.
