(L-R) Ismael Bello, General Manager for Mars Wrigley in Sub-Saharan Africa; John Mwendwa, OGW, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Investment Authority; Susan Burns, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy; and Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin, Plant Director, Nairobi Factory during the launch of the new sugar-free gum production line at the Athi River factory.
By Editor.
Mars Wrigley Kenya has expanded its Athi River factory after unveiling a new sugar-free gum production line. The move strengthens the company’s presence in the country and builds on the more than $70 million it has already invested.
The expansion comes at a time when Kenya’s role as a manufacturing hub continues to grow. Mars Wrigley, which supports more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs, now plans to invest an additional $33 million over the next three years. This fresh commitment signals the company’s long-term confidence in Kenya’s industrial growth.
The new line will supply Orbit sugar-free gum to Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also produce Extra for Arabic-speaking markets across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
This shift marks a major break from the company’s past reliance on its factory in Poland. For years, all sugar-free gum shipped to Africa and the Middle East came from that single European facility. Moving production to Athi River cuts long lead times, reduces dependence on European imports and strengthens supply-chain stability for fast-growing markets in Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking during the launch, Ismael Bello, General Manager for Mars Wrigley in Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company’s decision to manufacture sugar-free gum in Kenya for the first time shows strong belief in the country’s potential as a regional leader. He noted that the investment will help the company supply high-quality and affordable products while boosting exports and creating more jobs.
Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin added that the new line features modern technology designed to raise efficiency and support sustainability goals. He said the project also reflects Mars Wrigley’s commitment to developing Kenyan talent and positioning the Athi River facility as a center of excellence for confectionery production.
This initiative supports the company’s broader plan to localize manufacturing and strengthen regional supply chains. It also aligns with Kenya’s ambition to attract more value-added production and expand its footprint as a regional manufacturing powerhouse.
