Mars invests US$216M in UK pet food manufacturing site

UNITED KINGDOM – Mars, Incorporated has announced a £161 million (US$216 million) investment to modernise its pet food manufacturing facility in Melton Mowbray, England, introducing new production lines and technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and packaging sustainability.

The investment will upgrade the site, which manufactures WHISKAS® pet food in the UK, with high-speed pouch production lines designed to support a transition to fully recyclable mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) packaging. 

The project will also introduce smart optical sorting technology, which Mars expects to reduce production waste by more than 50%, alongside utility upgrades to reduce waste.

The announcement brings Mars’ total capital investment in its UK operations to £661 million (US$888 million) since 2021. 

Recent investments include £190 million (US$252 million) in its chocolate factory in Slough and £1.2 million (US$1.6 million) to upgrade its pet nutrition research and development hub in Birstall.

Investment targets manufacturing efficiency and employment

The Melton Mowbray project is expected to create more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in its first year. 

The site will also expand its permanent apprenticeship programme from 26 to 33 positions by 2027, providing additional training opportunities in manufacturing and technical skills.

“The UK is a cornerstone of our global pet care business at Mars, and this £161 million investment is a direct statement of our confidence in the UK market and the vital role our British factories play within our wider European network,” said Nick Foster, General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition, Northern Europe.

He added that the investment would equip the site’s workforce with manufacturing technology and sustainable production capabilities while strengthening its role in Mars’ regional supply network.

UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the investment would bring jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities to communities in the East Midlands, describing it as a vote of confidence in local talent and British industry.

Mars employs more than 10,000 people across the UK and operates eight manufacturing facilities.

Its wider pet care operations include the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, which focuses on animal health and nutrition.

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