US chocolate maker Mars plans to invest A$52m (US$53.3m) to boost production at its Ballarat plant in Australia. 

The state government of Victoria has thrown its weight behind the proposed upgrade, which would see Mars improve its production line at the facility in a bid to boost productivity.

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Australian industry body, the Australian Industry Group (AI), also suggested the firm could use the site as a base to increase exports of Australian-made confectionery in the region.

Victorian director of AI, Tim Piper, said: “Mars has been very important in the Australian confectionery landscape and is a major employer in Ballarat. Its expansionary plans will be a fillip for the area.”

The facility produces Mars, Snickers, M&Ms, Twix, Bounty and Malteesers brands. 

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