Mars Invests £190 Million in UK Factory, Strengthening Commitment to European Manufacturing

Mars Enhances Manufacturing in the UK with £190 Million Investment

Mars, Incorporated, the renowned family-owned company known for brands like M&M's®, SNICKERS®, and PEDIGREE®, has announced a substantial investment of £190 million earmarked for its historic chocolate factory in Slough, UK. This financial commitment not only underscores the company's long-term strategy to bolster its European manufacturing presence but also highlights its dedication to innovation and sustainability within the region.

A Historic Foundation for Future Growth

The Slough factory, the birthplace of the iconic Mars Bar in 1932, holds historical significance as a key facility in Mars's European operations. It serves as a pivotal manufacturing site, producing beloved products for the UK market and exporting significant volumes to European nations such as Ireland and the Netherlands. In 2025 alone, the site exported an impressive 2.7 million kilograms of chocolate to Ireland and over 12.3 million kilograms to the Netherlands, illustrating the vital role the factory plays in Mars's broader supply chain across Europe.

Transformative Upgrades and Technological Advancements

The investment will implement groundbreaking technological advancements, leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence, and enhanced manufacturing machinery. Improvements will include advanced cooling systems and energy-efficient utilities, which aim to optimize performance while ensuring sustainability. One of the key innovations will be the deployment of digital twin technology at the Slough site, which will utilize AI-driven data to streamline production, maintain consistency, and minimize waste.

In addition to technological upgrades, this investment emphasizes workforce development, offering extensive upskilling opportunities for staff, and aligning skills with the demands of future manufacturing roles in engineering, automation, and data-driven production.

Key Messages and Support from Leadership

Adam Grant, the General Manager for Mars Snacking UKI, expressed the company's confidence in the UK as a manufacturing hub, stating, "This investment reflects our confidence in the UK as a hub to manufacture and innovate. We are ensuring that our operations remain world-class and competitive for the future."

The Business and Trade Secretary for the UK, Peter Kyle, emphasized the importance of this investment in reinforcing the UK's manufacturing credibility, noting, "This £190 million investment by Mars is a strong vote of confidence in the UK as a place to manufacture and innovate."

Broader Context of Mars’s European Strategy

This substantial investment in Slough is part of a larger plan by Mars, Incorporated to invest €1 billion across the European Union, showcasing the company's long-standing commitment to manufacturing excellence in the region. Mars has over 90 years of presence in Europe, operating 24 factories across 10 EU countries and employing approximately 25,700 individuals, which substantiates its crucial role in the region's economic landscape.

The ongoing financial commitment extends to other European nations as well, with nearly €500 million invested in France to modernize factories over the past five years, and yearly investments of around €28-30 million in the Netherlands, emphasizing the company's ambition to enhance production and environmental standards throughout its facilities.

Looking Towards the Future

In a broader context, Mars's strategic vision includes a commitment to building resilient and innovative manufacturing capabilities. Alongside the announced plans to invest a further $2 billion in US manufacturing through 2026, Mars’s ongoing initiatives aim to create a robust and adaptable infrastructure in both European and American markets. The acquisition of Kellanova also plays a vital role in accelerating growth and innovation within Mars's snacking business.

As Mars, Incorporated moves forward with this transformative strategy, the £190 million investment into the Slough factory not only enhances its manufacturing capabilities but also sets a strong precedent for future initiatives in the UK and beyond. This commitment is not only about enhancing production efficiency; it also represents a pledge to the heritage and communities that have supported Mars throughout its rich historical journey.

For more information about Mars and its operations, visit Mars.