6 Shocking Facts About Mars Inc.'s Cleveland, TN Plant: From M&M Production To A Recent Chemical Scare
The Mars, Incorporated facility in Cleveland, Tennessee, stands as a cornerstone of the company's global confectionery empire, yet its operations have recently been thrust into the spotlight following a serious safety incident. As of December 12, 2025, the M&M Mars plant, a key component of the Mars Wrigley division, is navigating the aftermath of a chemical exposure that briefly halted operations and sent multiple employees to the hospital, underscoring the critical nature of safety protocols in large-scale food manufacturing. This facility is not just a local employer; it is the engine behind some of the world's most recognizable snack brands, contributing significantly to the $2 billion manufacturing expansion Mars committed to in July 2025.
For decades, the Cleveland, TN, location has been synonymous with the sweet, colorful production of M&Ms, firmly cementing Bradley County's role in the global snack food supply chain. Beyond the iconic candies, the plant represents a massive investment in American manufacturing capacity, focusing on production efficiency and job creation for the local community. Understanding the full scope of this site—from its deep history in Tennessee to its current technological and safety challenges—is essential for anyone tracking the future of the confectionery giant and its economic impact in the Southeast.
The December 2025 Chemical Incident and Safety Protocols
The biggest and most immediate news surrounding the Cleveland Mars facility is the chemical exposure incident that occurred on December 5, 2025.
The event involved a chlorine gas exposure, which is a significant industrial hazard.
Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the M&M Mars manufacturing plant to address the situation and evaluate the affected workers.
In total, six workers required hospitalization following the incident, with seven employees evaluated by emergency crews on the scene.
The exposure briefly forced a halt to operations at the facility while authorities and company officials investigated the cause and ensured the site was safe for continued work.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the safety complexities inherent in operating a large-scale food and confectionery manufacturing plant, even for a company with a strong global reputation like Mars, Incorporated.
The investigation into the specific cause of the chlorine gas leak is ongoing, with a focus on refining and reinforcing existing safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
The quick response by local emergency services and the plant's internal safety teams was crucial in managing the situation and limiting further exposure.
The facility is a key employer in Cleveland, TN, and the well-being of its Associates (Mars' term for employees) is a top priority as the company works to ensure a safe and collaborative work environment.
Cleveland: The Heart of Mars Wrigley's Confectionery Production
The Cleveland, Tennessee, location is primarily dedicated to the Mars Wrigley segment of Mars, Incorporated.
Mars Wrigley is the global leader in chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections, housing iconic brands like Snickers, Skittles, and, most notably for the Cleveland plant, M&Ms.
The facility specializes in the production of M&Ms, making it a critical node in the global supply chain for one of the world's most popular chocolate candies.
The plant has a long history in the region, with Mars' presence in Tennessee dating back approximately 30 years as of a 2012 announcement, indicating its establishment around the mid-1990s.
This long-standing commitment highlights the strategic importance of the Cleveland location for Mars' North American manufacturing operations and distribution network.
The plant utilizes advanced manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement engineering to maintain high production efficiency and quality standards.
The production process involves complex machinery and large-scale operations, requiring specialized roles like Associate Engineer Factory Innovation and Machine Operator/Team Member.
As a key component of a multinational manufacturer, the Cleveland facility operates under Mars' five principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
Economic Impact, Job Opportunities, and Future Investment
The Mars facility in Cleveland is a major economic driver for Bradley County and the surrounding Tennessee region, providing hundreds of stable, high-value manufacturing jobs.
Mars, Incorporated has shown a strong commitment to expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint, which directly benefits the Cleveland plant.
In July 2025, Mars announced a massive $2 billion commitment aimed at expanding its U.S. manufacturing capacity for its candy and snack brands.
This investment is explicitly focused on production efficiency, technological upgrades, and the creation of new jobs across its key confectionery facilities, including the one in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Prior to this, the Cleveland confections plant had already seen significant expansion, with a US$74 million project completed to increase capacity and modernize the facility.
The continuous investment ensures the plant remains competitive and capable of meeting the ever-growing global demand for its products.
Current and Future Job Roles at Mars Cleveland
The Cleveland facility is continuously hiring for various roles that support its complex manufacturing and engineering needs.
Job opportunities span several key areas, reflecting the need for both highly technical and operational staff.
Technical and Engineering Roles:
- Site Project Engineer: Focuses on managing and executing capital projects within the plant, with estimated salaries often in the $75,000 - $95,000 range.
- Continuous Improvement Engineer: Dedicated to optimizing processes, reducing waste, and increasing overall factory efficiency.
- Associate Engineer Factory Innovation: Works on implementing new technologies and innovative manufacturing techniques.
Operational and Production Roles:
- Machine Operator/Team Member: Core roles responsible for the day-to-day operation of the production lines across multiple shifts.
- Quality Assurance Technicians: Ensures all products meet the rigorous quality standards set by Mars and regulatory bodies.
Mars emphasizes a culture of innovation and collaboration, prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of its Associates, making it a desirable employer in the region.
Mars, Incorporated: A Global Context for the Cleveland Plant
The Cleveland plant is just one piece of the vast Mars, Incorporated global enterprise.
Mars is a privately held American multinational manufacturer that operates across three primary business segments: Confectionery (Mars Wrigley), Food, and Petcare.
While the Cleveland site focuses on confectionery, Mars Petcare is another massive division with significant operations and headquarters in Tennessee, underscoring the state's importance to the entire corporation.
The company recently made headlines with its acquisition of Kevin's Natural Foods, aiming to expand its presence in the healthy and convenient food market, showcasing its continuous diversification beyond traditional candy.
This continuous expansion and investment, both in confectionery and other segments, ensures that the Cleveland facility benefits from a strong, stable, and growing parent company.
The Cleveland facility's commitment to efficiency and quality directly supports Mars' global mission to create better moments and make the world a better place through its products and operations.
From the recent safety challenges to its role in a multi-billion dollar expansion, the Mars Wrigley plant in Cleveland, TN, remains a dynamic and vital part of both the local economy and the international confectionery market.
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