Mars Announces €1 Billion Investment to Enhance EU Manufacturing and Innovation Efforts

Mars Invests €1 Billion in European Manufacturing and Innovation

In a bold move to enhance its operations across Europe, Mars, Incorporated has revealed plans to invest €1 billion by the end of 2026. This significant investment aims to strengthen the company’s manufacturing capabilities, sustainability practices, and innovation initiatives throughout the European Union (EU).

For over 90 years, Mars has been a key player in Europe, operating 24 factories across 10 EU countries and employing approximately 25,000 individuals. With over 85% of its products sold in the EU manufactured locally, the region has become central to Mars’s global operations, playing a crucial role in meeting the demands of more than 100 markets worldwide.

Building on Previous Investments

The upcoming investment builds upon Mars’s commitment to the region, having already invested over €1.5 billion in EU manufacturing over the past five years. These funds have been directed towards modernizing facilities, enhancing production capabilities, and advancing efforts to decarbonize its value chain.

Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars, emphasized the company’s dedication to Europe, remarking, "We take a long-term view – we believe in Europe and we wish to foster growth that benefits consumers in the EU economies. Our investments are designed to ensure our operations remain world-class, competitive, and aligned with the EU's long-term priorities."

Key Investment Areas

Mars has outlined several critical areas for investment, including:

1. Modernizing Manufacturing Processes

Mars is set to invest significantly in upgrading its manufacturing footprint across the EU. This includes enhancing efficiency, product quality, and innovation in packaging technologies. For instance, from 2023 to 2027, the company plans to funnel around €250 million into its chocolate factory in Janaszówek, Poland. This upgrade will introduce state-of-the-art automation and increase production capacity by 63%. This facility, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is pivotal to Mars's growth strategy in the region.

2. Decarbonization and Sustainability Efforts

Mars has committed to embedding environmental initiatives across its value chain. The company has successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 16% since 2015, despite a 69% growth in business. In 2022, its ice cream factory in Steinbourg, France became the first globally to operate entirely on renewable energy, marking a milestone in Mars's sustainability journey. Additionally, initiatives like the Moo'ving Dairy Forward Plan, a $47 million effort, aim to curtail methane emissions across several EU nations, including the Netherlands.

3. Strengthening Local Partnerships

Mars’s history of collaboration with local suppliers and farmers continues to play a significant role in its strategy. The company has pledged more than €100 million to modernize and digitize its industrial sites in France, bolstering local employment opportunities while supporting its Net Zero initiative.

Conclusion

As Mars continues to invest in the EU, the company's focus on innovation and sustainability stands out, reflecting a commitment to creating lasting value for consumers, local economies, and the environment. With these strategies, Mars aims to build a more resilient business model that not only thrives but also positively impacts the communities it operates in, ensuring that it remains a leader in the global market.

For more information on Mars's operational plans and sustainability efforts, visit their website.

Media Contact:
Julie Lovell
Regional Corporate Affairs Director, Mars Wrigley
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7890 516403