Mars Incorporated, the manufacturer of SNICKERS, Skittles, Pedigree, and other products will have a whopping 200 MW wind farm constructed by Blattner Energy Inc, with the assistance of Sumitomo Corporation and BNB Renewable Energy. That will cover 100% of Mars’ U.S. electricity usage! Mars is a big company, consisting of 70 sites, including 37 factories and 25,000 associates in the U.S.
The 200 MW wind farm is titled Mesquite Creek Wind, and it comprises 118 1.7 MW GE wind turbines installed on a 25,000 acre site. The Mesquite Creek Wind farm is located in the counties of Dawson and Borden, Texas (about 8 miles from Lamesa).
‘With an annual output of over 800,000 megawatt-hours, the energy created from the wind farm will represent 24% of Mars’ total global factory and office carbon footprint – equivalent to the electricity required to power 61,000 U.S. households. The wind farm represents the biggest long-term commitment to renewable energy use of any food manufacturing business in the United States.’
‘By making this extraordinary commitment to buy renewable energy, Mars is sending a clear message that companies, private and public, have the power to lead the world on climate change. It’s good for the bottom line, it’s good for the environment, and projects like this leave a lasting legacy of values we hold dear. Thank you Mars and Sumitomo,’ said Jonathan Butcher, Sr., a founder of BNB.
Activities like these can, and probably will improve Mars’ brand perception, as the public has become more concerned about climate change and air pollution caused by fossil-fueled power plants.
A map of the wind farm’s location:
To a manufacturer, customer loyalty is worth its weight in gold. Even if this project didn’t provide a return on investment (although it is likely to), it would still improve Mars’ brand perception, which could lead to increased sales, and stronger brand loyalty.
The Mesquite Creek Wind farm will commence operation in Q2 of 2015, and they will take delivery of the turbines at the end of this summer.
Do you think that Mars did this to improve brand perception, reduce their energy expenses, to preserve the environment? Or all of the above? Sound off in the comment section!