Enhancing Filipino livelihoods, fostering strong partnerships, and building a sustainable future to inspire everyday happiness across generations
Mars Wrigley, the global leader in chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections—home to beloved brands like M&M’s®, Snickers®, Doublemint®, Eclipse®, and Skittles®—is proudly celebrating 60 years of manufacturing excellence in the Philippines.
Since establishing local operations in 1965, Mars Wrigley has grown from its beginnings in Pasig to a major regional manufacturing hub in Antipolo, where it has operated since 1999. Today, the Antipolo facility produces up to 30 metric tons of chewing gum daily, exporting 86% of its output to key Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, and Brunei.
“This milestone is a celebration of our deep roots in the Philippines and the bright future ahead,” said Salazar Maquito, Factory Director, Mars Wrigley Antipolo. “Antipolo is not just where we manufacture—it’s home. We’re proud of what we’ve built with our people and our community.”
“Better Together”: A Celebration of People, Planet, and Purpose
With the theme “Better Together,” the 60th anniversary celebration gathered associates, government partners, and media at the Antipolo plant for a factory tour and walk-through of its production and sustainability practices.
Mars Wrigley reinforced its commitment to building a better world today for the generations of tomorrow, reflecting its purpose-driven business model that values people and the planet as much as performance.
Kalpesh Parmar, General Manager of Mars Wrigley Asia, emphasized:
“At Mars, we grow by balancing purpose with profit. We are guided not only by financial goals, but also by our drive to create lasting, positive impact in every community we serve, source, and produce from.”
Sustainability at the Core: From Biomass Boilers to Cleaner Air
A major highlight of Mars Wrigley’s sustainability push is the USD 1 million investment in a biomass boiler, installed in 2024. This initiative is a critical step in the company’s transition to 100% renewable thermal energy and its global net zero ambition by 2050.
By using locally sourced rice husks and coconut shells as fuel, the biomass boiler has already reduced carbon emissions by 679 tons annually—cutting diesel usage and supporting local farmers who supply the materials.
“Our sustainability efforts are about more than the environment,” Maquito added. “They’re about creating a healthier planet and stronger livelihoods right here in Antipolo.”
Investing in People: Inclusion, Empowerment, and Community Uplift
Mars Wrigley employs over 170 associates at its Antipolo site, many of whom have been with the company for more than two decades. Long-term employment, inclusive hiring, and leadership development—particularly among women—are key to its people-first approach.
The factory features inclusive facilities like breastfeeding rooms, prayer spaces, and social rooms—reflecting Mars Wrigley’s dedication to a respectful and empowering work culture. The company actively supports moms transitioning back to work and aims for a 50:50 gender ratio among its workforce and leadership team.
Beyond the workplace, Mars Wrigley supports the Antipolo community through partnerships with organizations like Smile Train, YULA Women’s Initiative, Inc., and Save the Children Philippines. Through these collaborations, the company runs training-to-employment programs and has funded impactful projects such as the CHILL community center for adolescents.
The Mars Wrigley Foundation, one of Save the Children’s major funders, recently approved a USD 100,000 grant to further support youth health and safe spaces in Antipolo.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Mars Wrigley is investing another USD 2 million over the next three years to upgrade its Antipolo facility—enhancing infrastructure, packaging, machinery, and employee welfare.
As it marks six decades of success, Mars Wrigley is doubling down on its commitment to grow responsibly—with a clear focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and community development.
“We’re not just celebrating 60 years of making great products,” said Parmar. “We’re celebrating the future we’re building—together.”
