Content about manufacturing

TOPEKA, Kan. — Mars Chocolate North America this week unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Midwest, part of the company's commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing.

The facility, which will be located in Topeka, Kan., is the first site the company has built in 35 years and will help Mars Chocolate meet the growing demand for its candy products.

SALT LAKE CITY — Watson Pharmaceuticals plans to expand its manufacturing and research and development plant in Salt Lake City, the drug maker said.

The $44 million expansion of the plant will include retrofitting about 20,000 sq. ft. of space and the construction of about 17,000 additional sq. ft. The expansion of the plant, which makes transdermal patches and topical gels, is expected to include the addition of about 300 new employees over the next three to five years.

LONDON — Unilever's offer to shed some of its bar soap business to win United Kingdom competition approval for its acquisition of hair and personal care products manufacturer Alberto Culver was accepted by the U.K. Office of Fair Trading.

"Following a consultation, and having carefully assessed the financial position and commitment of the purchaser, Lornamead, we are satisfied that this divestment will ensure there continues to be effective competition in this market," said Ali Nikpay, OFT senior director for U.K. Office of Fair Trading.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Monday announced that a consent decree of condemnation, forfeiture and permanent injunction has been filed against H&P Industries, Triad Group and three individuals, which would prevent them from manufacturing and distributing products from their Hartland, Wis., facility, or any other location.

NEW YORK — Unilever's Axe Hair brand has announced that it is partnering with the nonprofit organization Wounded Warrior Project and promoting its new Axe Buzzed Look cream + SPF 15, its newest styling product.

As part of the debut, Axe Hair is making a donation of $50,000 to the organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

NEW YORK — Bic has teamed up with House Party, a marketing company that specializes in delivering products into the homes of consumers via "party packs," to promote its Bic Soleil women's disposable razors for summer. Under the partnership, Bic is hosting 1,000 parties across the country in the homes of target consumers on June 4.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Racing fans at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina this past Saturday broke a Guinness World Record for most flashlights simultaneously lit.

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor on Wednesday announced its research partnership with WellDoc — a healthcare company that develops technology solutions to improve chronic disease management outcomes and reduce healthcare costs — around integrating WellDoc services into Ford vehicles through the automaker’s SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system.

That SYNC system also will enable access to SDI’s Pollen.com Allergy Alert application, Ford announced Wednesday.

PHILADELPHIA — Philips is slated to launch a new LED light bulb, which will premiere at the LightFair International trade show.

Philips EnduraLED A21 17-watt bulb uses Philips' high-power, next-generation Luxeon LEDs and is designed to replace a 75-watt incandescent bulb, while reducing energy consumption by 80% and lasting 25 times longer, the company said. The light bulb also was developed to meet or exceed Energy Star qualifications for an LED-based replacement.

WALTHAM, Mass. — Alkermes will buy Irish drug maker Elan’s drug formulation and manufacturing business for $960 million, the two companies said Monday.

Alkermes will buy Elan Drug Technologies and incorporate the combined company in Ireland, naming it Alkermes PLC. Alkermes said the acquisition would give it an edge in treating central nervous system disorders and expected to have diverse revenue streams from 25 commercialized drugs.

MELROSE PARK, Ill. — Alberto Culver, whose beauty brands include TreSemme, Alberto VO5, Nexxus, St. Ives, Simple and Noxzema, has announced that Unilever and the U.S. Department of Justice have reached an agreement that will enable Unilever to complete its proposed acquisition of Alberto Culver.

VERONA, N.J. — OTC Perspectives magazine on Tuesday named its third annual list of "Top OTC/HBA Marketers of the Year."

Marketers of over-the-counter products and health-and-beauty aids will be honored at a celebratory luncheon on May 10 during the OTC/HBA National Conference.