Mars Wrigley Celebrates 60 Years of Manufacturing in the Philippines
Mars Wrigley, the world’s leading producer of chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections, is marking 60 years of manufacturing excellence in the Philippines. Known for iconic global brands like M&M’s®, Snickers®, Doublemint®, Eclipse®, and Skittles®, the company is celebrating its decades-long journey of bringing joy to generations of Filipino consumers while driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Mars Wrigley began its operations in the Philippines in 1965, first setting up a plant in Pasig before relocating to Antipolo in 1999. Over the years, the Antipolo facility has grown into a major regional hub for Mars Wrigley’s gum production, with brands such as Doublemint®, Juicy Fruit®, and Cool Air® being manufactured for both domestic consumption and export. Today, the factory produces up to 30 metric tons of chewing gum daily, with 86% exported to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, and Brunei.
“We’re proud to call Antipolo City home to one of our most important manufacturing facilities in the region,” said Salazar Maquito, Factory Director of Mars Wrigley Antipolo. “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.”
Better Together
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration themed “Better Together,” Mars Wrigley hosted a gathering at its Antipolo plant with associates, government stakeholders, media, and business partners. The event featured a factory tour and site walkabout, providing guests a firsthand look at the company’s operations and sustainability initiatives.
One of the most impactful sustainability projects recently launched by the facility is its transition to renewable thermal energy. In 2024, Mars Wrigley installed a biomass boiler powered by rice husks and coconut shells sourced from local farmers. This USD 1 million investment has already helped reduce the plant’s carbon emissions by approximately 679 tons annually, contributing to the company’s net zero ambition by 2050.
“In the world we want tomorrow, we need a healthy planet where people can thrive. We believe that by making our daily operations more sustainable, our customers and consumers can enjoy our products knowing they are made with the environment in mind,” said Maquito. “I’m proud of the work that the team has done to bring the biomass boiler initiative to life in Antipolo and the long-lasting positive impact that we’ll have on the planet for future generations.”
Mars Wrigley is further investing USD 2 million over the next three years to improve infrastructure, packaging, and machinery, and to support facilities that promote associate well-being.
Inclusive Workplace
With over 170 employees in the Antipolo factory — many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years — Mars Wrigley places great value on workplace inclusion and employee growth. The company aims to achieve a 50/50 gender balance and ensure women hold leadership roles. It also provides essential workplace amenities such as a breastfeeding room for mothers, prayer rooms for different faiths, and support programs for moms returning to work.
Beyond its own workforce, Mars Wrigley, actively involves itself in community initiatives. It has partnered with NGOs like Smile Train and YULA Women’s Initiative, Inc. to provide training and employment to underserved individuals through programs like the Experiential Learning Program, open to residents of Antipolo and surrounding Rizal areas.
The company has also maintained a 15-year partnership with Save the Children Philippines. Recently, the Mars Wrigley Foundation granted USD 100,000 to support the CHILL (Connecting, Helping, Informing, and Learning Lounges) community project, which focuses on addressing youth health needs and creating safe spaces for adolescents.
As it looks to the future, Mars Wrigley remains committed to growing responsibly — advancing sustainability, uplifting communities, and maintaining a people-first culture across its operations in the Philippines.
