Chocolate factory expansion promises jobs sweetener

Up to 100 construction jobs are expected to be created during a $52 million upgrade and expansion of the Mars chocolate factory in Ballarat.

The Victorian Government has contributed $2 million to the project.

Mars general manager Michael Ryan says the chocolate products maker is also investing in sustainability programs.

He says the upgrade and expansion are needed to supply the growing demand in Australia and Asia.

"It's happening because the business is continuing to grow and we're looking at how we remain a really vibrant member of the community here and a vibrant employer," he said.

"So we're looking to continue to invest to upgrade our capability to continue to grow in the future.

"There's jobs being created during the construction process, so over the time of that work going on there's up to a 100 jobs that will start from that, beyond that it's more about ensuring that the manufacturing facility remains a vibrant and thriving hub here."

Source: ABC News, 1 March 2013