McLean Company Breaks Ground for New Chocolate Factory

One of McLean's most secretive neighbors broke ground this week for its new candy factory in central Kansas.

Yes, the Mars Candy Co. is headquartered in a nondescript building on Elm Street in downtown McLean. The door is locked and they don't answer the bell.

The Associated Press reported that Topeka city and county and Kansas state officials joined Mars Chocolate North America in formally breaking ground on its new candy factory south of Topeka.

The event Tuesday was the first phase of the $250 million project that will create about 200 full-time jobs in northeast Kansas. It is the first new chocolate factory Mars has built in 35 years. The plant will produce M&Ms and Snickers candies, the AP said.

Mars said in a press release: Over 400 people attended the groundbreaking including Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate Latin America and North America, Victoria Mars from the Mars family and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback.

The official groundbreaking swiftly follows Mars’ recent announcement to invest in U.S. manufacturing to meet the growing demand for its iconic confectionery products, including M&M’S and Snickers. The 350,000-square-foot facility is the first Mars Chocolate site built in the U.S. in 35 years, Mars said.

The AP reported Kansas and local officials pledged incentives to help land the Mars project. The new building will be constructed in the Kanza Fire Commerce Park near Topeka's Heartland Park motorsports facility and Forbes Field, a former Air Force base.

Mars officials say candy production should begin in 2013, the AP reported.

Read more: www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_kansas/Mars-factory-breaks-ground-in-Topeka#ixzz1W5FNBfE1