Organizational Communication &
Its Social Contexts -
class field trip to the Mars Inc UK headquarters, Slough
On Friday March 7th 2008, NYU in London's Organizational Communication & Its Social Contexts students visited the UK headquarters for the confectionery business of Mars Incorporated, located in Slough, UK. Mars ensured students were given a tour of the chocolate confectionery production lines and an opportunity to meet with Mars executives. The visit at Mars concluded with a presentation on Mars corporate responsibility strategy. The visit was initiated by Dr Geraldine Cohen who accompanied the group.
Here are excerpts from students’ feedback:
“I felt the trip to Mars was informative both educationally and culturally. It was interesting to see the inner workings of the corporation in its business affairs and factory practices”.
“From the moment we stepped through the door, grabbed a Mars bar and were suited up in Mars hard hats and coats, we became a part of the Mars world. The visit to the factory was particularly interesting; less Willy Wonka and more dedication to plain hard work. It also gave an impression of the sheer strength of the Mars brand as we watched hundreds of candy bars roll out (still warm) in just the short time we were there. The presentation on corporate responsibility was a solid ending point for the visit giving us a clear idea of where Mars stands on a global and local scale to better the world. The fact that they treat the employees so well especially resonated with me”.
“The Mars trip on Friday was a great way to see how such a large company works. I loved donning the hard hat and white coat and entering the assembly lines for the Mars bars, Maltesers and Minstrels. It was a true hands-on experience as we were encouraged to sample the chocolate in their various stages”.
“The Mars trip was awesome because it gave me an opportunity to see a real factory in action. After all, I never knew how chocolate is manufactured before. What’s more, seeing a factory in action was a great learning experience that tied together classes from several courses and disciplines”.
