BACKGROUND:
In 2013, Mars International India Pvt. Ltd. announced the development of its first chocolate manufacturing facility in Pune, India, to meet growing demand for its globally recognised brands including Snickers™ and Galaxy™.

From inception, the facility was designed as an eco-friendly, sustainable production environment aligned with Mars Inc.’s global “Sustainable in a Generation” strategy. The 18,581 m² factory integrates advanced environmental technologies and was engineered to operate efficiently while preserving product integrity and employee wellbeing.

CHALLENGE:
Chocolate manufacturing requires strict thermal control, as temperature fluctuations can directly impact product quality and yield. Mars India therefore needed a daylighting solution that would significantly reduce reliance on electric lighting without introducing additional solar heat gain.

The objective was to create bright, evenly illuminated workspaces across production areas, warehouses, offices and corridors, while reducing air conditioning loads and maintaining stable internal temperatures. The system also needed to perform reliably under Pune’s extreme climate conditions, including high heat, dust, humidity and monsoon rains.

CLIENT:
Mars International India Pvt. Ltd. (Mars India)

CHALLENGE:
To deliver consistent natural daylight across a largescale fulfillment and distribution facility, including a major expansion, while supporting energy efficiency and operational performance.

RESULTS:
The installation achieved strong daylight performance across both the original and expanded facility, reducing daytime electric lighting demand and improving the working environment.

PRODUCT:
Approx. 450 Solatube® Daylighting Systems (multiphase installation)
Solatube® SkyVault Series
M74 DS (740mm diameter system)
Solatube® SolaMaster Series
330 DS (530mm diameter system)
Solatube® SolaMaster Series
750 DS (750mm diameter system)
Solatube® Brighten Up Series
290 DS (350mm diameter system)

SOLATUBE DISTRIBUTOR:
Global Enersol Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (India)

SOLUTION:
Working with Global Enersol Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the Solatube distributor for India, Mars India implemented a multi-system daylighting strategy tailored to different functional zones within the facility.

Approximately 450 Solatube Daylighting Systems were installed during the multi-phase build, with each area receiving optimised daylight performance:

> SkyVault® M74 DS units in warehouse spaces
> SolaMaster® 330 DS units in production areas
> SolaMaster® 750 DS units in office environments
> Brighten Up® 290 DS units in corridors

Advanced optical technologies including Raybender®, LightTracker™ and highly reflective Spectralight® Infinity tubing ensure uniform daylight distribution throughout the day while minimising solar heat gain.

The systems are engineered for durability and minimal maintenance, with leakproof flashing and self-cleaning dome design suited to demanding industrial and climatic conditions.

RESULTS:
The installation provides abundant, consistent daylight across all functional areas of the facility, allowing significant reduction in daytime electric lighting use and supporting corporate energy reduction goals.

Thermal neutrality ensures that product quality and chocolate manufacturing processes remain uncompromised, while improved daylight access enhances employee comfort, productivity and “associate engagement.”

With zero lamp replacement, minimal maintenance requirements and long-term warranty support, the solution contributes to operational efficiency and lifecycle cost savings.

The success of the Pune facility has reinforced Mars Inc.’s commitment to daylighting and supports potential adoption of Solatube Daylighting Systems as a company-wide standard for future facilities.

CONCLUSION:
The Mars India project demonstrates how highperformance daylighting systems can successfully integrate into temperature-sensitive manufacturing environments without compromising product integrity.

By combining energy efficiency, thermal stability and enhanced workplace quality, the facility sets a benchmark for sustainable food production design and highlights the strategic role of daylighting in modern industrial buildings.