Ambassador of the United States to Egypt, Jonathan R. Cohen, has paid a visit to Mars Wrigley's factory located in 6th of October City. Mars Wrigley is known for being the manufacturer of a myriad of world-famous brands including Galaxy, M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, and Extra in more than 180 countries. The US Ambassador was cordially welcomed, at the Mars Wrigley's factory, by Dalia Salib, General Manager for Mars Egypt, Ghada Fouad, Corporate Affairs Manager for Mars Egypt and North Africa, Obai Rahimi -Corporate Affairs Director Middle East and Africa and Osama Hellal, Plant Director for Mars Egypt , along with a number of Mars leaders in Egypt , Middle East and Africa. The field visit included a tour inside the factory, during which the U.S. Ambassador closely inspected the state-of-the production lines, the manufacturing cycle, and the quality assurance and packaging centers, guaranteeing the plant's full abidance by the strictest international health and quality standards. Commenting on the visit, Ambassador Jonathan R. Cohen said, "Great to visit the Mars Wrigley factory; Mars has a long history in Egypt since 1995, and has invested billions of dollars in Egypt. This American company's investment in Egypt is an excellent example of the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Egypt commercial partnership." Dalia Salib expressed her elation by stating that this prestigious visit had an immense impact on Mars Egypt's Associates; whether practically or morally. She added we are committed to our purpose of creating better moments that make the world smile and we are proud of our role as a leader in the confectionery and snacking category to offer the Egyptian consumers high-quality products across a range of portfolios that they can choose from and enjoy. Additionally, Salib mentioned a praiseworthy fact by highlighting: "In early 2016, Mars' local production lines quadrupled, reaching its full capacity. As a result, Mars Egypt's factory was awarded the first LEED Gold Certificate. Not to mention, Mars Egypt's new investments have been able to generate 20,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, the thing that contributed to achieving Egypt's 2030 Vision." Confirming the previous, Ghada Fouad reiterated that as a result of the economic and legislative policies adopted by the Egyptian government recently, the company has succeeded in increasing its investments to reach $200 m. As per her, this was announced in March 2017, along with the conduction of a plan to transform the 6th of October factory into a regional manufacturing and exporting center for Mars Inc. Fouad further explained: "These operational expansions are set to double the volume of exports, with 80% of the additional installed capacity directed towards exports. We currently export 70-80% of our additional installed capacity to more than 30 markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia." In this regards, Osama Hellal, Plant Director for Mars Egypt commented: "Mars has intensified its efforts to achieve Egypt's SDGs, through the LEED certification, being the first zero waste to landfill plant operating outside of the US and Europe since 2007. He concluded by mentioning that the factory's water waste management efforts should also be underscored." Mars has been in the business of confectionary for more than 100 years, as it started in Washington kitchen, expanded overseas, and diversified into new categories like pet care and food. Today, the Mars family embraces more than 100,000 members in over 80 countries around the world. Through all that growth, it has remained a private and a family-owned business, reinforced by passionate associates who share an unbreakable bond.
