It’s been 100 years since Bill Mars Sr. hit the road on horseback, selling tools to the mining and timber industries.

Fast forward to now, his great grandsons run Mars Supply business.

“I think he’d be really happy that for the most part, we’re still doing the same things he so successfully started,” shared Bob Mars, the president of the company. “It’s a great trifecta. We’ve had great customers, loyal suppliers, and wonderful employees.”

A celebration on Wednesday at their Duluth location, to mark the 100th anniversary.

Suppliers and customers came by to enjoy lunch and a visit. Flexco had a booth set up. They’ve been working with Mars for nearly 100 years now.

“It’s the stability of the product line itself, and what Mars brings to the marketplace. Especially in the mining areas,” shared Matt Thomsen, from Flexco.

Another supplier, Continental, has been partnering with Mars for 73 years. They also had a booth set up.

“It’s nice to be able to celebrate this. We don’t see a lot of companies turn 100, and be family owned, and that’s why they are fun to work with,” said Andy Halverson, from Continental.

Both Flexco and Continental have products related to conveyor belts, which are a vital part of many industries like mining and shipping. And Mars and their crews supply them and install them.

“We do a lot of work on the Great Lakes vessels that take the pellets down to the steel mills,” explained Bruce Mars, Executive Vice President. “It’s fun to be part of the whole equation.”

Some things are changing, like how you market your products. “When I think of business development, the many different ways you get the message out to people, that’s changed dramatically,” said Steve Mars, Business Development for Mars.

The chamber folks also helped celebrate the day with a ribbon cutting.

For more information about Mars: https://www.marssupply.com/