Mars Food Marks 35 Years in Greenville, Mississippi

16 Dec 2013 --- Mars Food North America, maker of UNCLE BEN'S and SEEDS OF CHANGE products, marked 35 years in Greenville, Miss., with an event on Friday, December 13 that was attended by Mississippi Development Authority Brent Christensen, Greenville Mayor John Cox, and other elected officials.

In recognition of Mars Food's community contributions over the last 35 years, numerous dignitaries offered remarks and presentations including Mayor Cox who presented a key to the city to Mars Food Greenville. Along with government officials, company representatives planted the Mississippi State Tree, a Southern Magnolia, at the factory site to mark the occasion in the "Magnolia State."

"I would like to congratulate Mars Food North America on its 35 years of successful operations in Greenville," said Gov. Phil Bryant. "With more than three decades of providing jobs in the Mississippi Delta, Mars Food has proved to be an outstanding corporate partner with the state of Mississippi and I wish them many more years of success in our state." In an official proclamation, Gov. Bryant also declared December 13 as "Mars Food North America Greenville Day."

"We have been a proud member of the community for 35 years and it is an honor to be recognized for our contributions," said Sherry Day, Mars Food Greenville Plant Director.  The plant is celebrating its 35th year of operations in 2013 by completing a $42 million multi-year investment and plans are underway for expansion in the years ahead.

Mars opened its plant in Greenville in 1978 with 5 packaging lines and 1 processing line.  Increasing market demand necessitated convenience lines to be added in 1987, a Ready to Heat area added in 2007, and a new milled rice area added 2011.  Today, the plant sits on 110 acres of property, has 250,000 square feet of space, and has close to $140 million in fixed assets.  More than 160 associates in Mississippi manufacture products under iconic brands such as UNCLE BEN'S, SEEDS OF CHANGE, and ABU SIOUF, which is exported to Middle East.

"Thank you Greenville for being a great neighbor and community partner!" Sherry said.