NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 26 – Mars Wrigley has expanded its Athi River plant with a new sugar-free gum production line, marking a major shift toward local manufacturing as the confectioner commits an additional Sh4.3 billion ($33 million) to its Kenya operations over the next three years.
The investment builds on the more than $70 million the company has already deployed in the country and reinforces Kenya’s position as a regional manufacturing hub.
Mars Wrigley, which supports over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs, will now produce Orbit sugar-free gum for Sub-Saharan Africa and Extra for Arabic-speaking markets across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, the UAE and the wider Gulf.
The move ends the company’s long-standing reliance on its Poland facility, reducing import dependence, cutting lead times and strengthening supply-chain resilience for fast-growing African and Middle Eastern markets.
“This decision signals our confidence in Kenya’s potential as a regional hub,” said Ismael Bello, General Manager for Mars Wrigley in Sub-Saharan Africa, noting that local production will enhance affordability, export performance and job creation.
Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin added that the new production line integrates state-of-the-art technology to boost efficiency and sustainability while deepening the company’s commitment to developing Kenyan talent.
