Despite the crisis, owner of M&M's will invest R $ 750 mi in SP

Mars announced on Thursday (15) an investment of 750 million reais in Sao Paulo State between 2012 and 2018.
The American company produces in Brazil established candy brands like M&M's, Twix and Snickers, besides the food for dogs and cats Pedigree, Whiskas and Royal Canin.
Of the total amount, 500 million reais will go to the line of chocolates. The amount will be applied in expanding product factory in Guararema (SP), on the improvement of production processes and product launches.
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With that, over the next few years, Mars will pass the produce locally all the chocolate that sells in this country. Today, according to the company "an important part" of the items is imported.
The remainder of the capital will be invested in new administrative headquarters in São Paulo, in the expansion of food plants for pets of Mogi Mirim (SP) and Bared (SP) and diversification of the portfolio in this segment.
The company also will build a new pet products factory in Ponta Grossa (PR), which should be ready in the next three years.
Plus, the investments in Brazil will reach more than 1 billion reais in the period between 2012 and 2020. They should generate about 450 direct jobs, calculates the company.
Grow in the crisis
For Vladimir Maganhoto, President of Royal Canin in Brazil (one of the units "Petcare" of Mars), which allows the company to follow up with robust plans even in the face of crisis is its scale, coupled with a focus on the long term.
"We operate globally, which makes the results in other parts of the world guarantee the investments here, despite the difficulties. The Brazil has a strong domestic economy, will pass through this time of adjustment. So, we bet on future opportunities, "he said in an interview with EXAME.com.
According to him, the economic turmoil has not yet provoked a great thud on Mars operation. Still, she has been cautious.
"The industries in which we operate are more resilient when there's retraction on the economy. But we are seeking efficiencies, such as process improvement and reduction in the consumption of water and energy, so you don't have to pass on the increased internal costs to the consumer, "commented the Executive.
The company did not quantify the impact of contributions announced at its production capacity and not open billing expectations for this year.
"But Brazil is today the biggest bet of the group within Latin America and let's grow double digits in all segments we have in the country," said Maganhoto.
In 2013, the Group had a global revenue of about 33 billion dollars. It employs 75,000 employees worldwide, 2,500 in Brazil