Mars Wrigley Kenya has unveiled a new sugar-free gum production line at its Athi River facility, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the country.
The move builds on over $70 million the confectionery company has already invested locally and is part of a broader plan to invest an additional $33 million over the next three years.
The Athi River facility will produce the Orbit brand for Sub-Saharan Africa and Extra for Arabic-speaking markets, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, the UAE, and the wider Gulf region. This shift to local production ends the company’s previous reliance on its POZ facility in Poland, from which all sugar-free gum for the region was previously sourced. Local manufacturing is expected to reduce lead times, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and cut dependency on European imports.
Speaking at the launch, Ismael Bello, General Manager for Mars Wrigley in Sub-Saharan Africa, said the move demonstrates the company’s confidence in Kenya’s potential as a regional manufacturing hub. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, affordable products while supporting job creation and Kenya’s export growth,” Bello said.
Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin added, “Our new sugar-free gum line incorporates advanced technology that enhances operational efficiency and sustainability performance. More importantly, it underscores our commitment to developing local talent and positioning Kenya as a center of excellence in confectionery manufacturing.”
Mars Wrigley’s expansion in Kenya forms part of its broader strategy to localize production and reinforce regional supply networks, supporting the country’s ambition to anchor more value-added manufacturing domestically. The company currently supports over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya.