For the first time in 35 years, McLean, VA-based Mars Inc.'s North American candy division will be opening a new manufacturing facility in the U.S., reports the Washington Business Journal.

Construction of a new Topeka, Kansas plant began this week, and the $250 million facility will be completed in 2013. The plant will house production of M&M’s and Snickers bars, and will lead to the creation of 200 new full-time jobs.

Mars North America president Todd Lachman told the Washington Business Journal’s Jeff Clabaugh that the “new site represents Mars’ commitment to manufacturing in the United States for the U.S. market,” and that they are “proud to create jobs in America’s heartland and are honored to partner with the Topeka community for years to come.”

We’re thrilled with the news that Mars will be producing more of its iconic candy bars that have been beloved by generations of Americans on U.S. soil. The opening of this new factory is clearly a "sweet" deal for Mars, the city of Topeka, and the hundreds of Americans who will be employed at the facility.