Mars is proposing to close its pet-food factory in Minden, Germany.
In a statement sent to Just Food, a spokesperson for the Mars Pet Nutrition division said the move is “part of regular reviews of our business operations and structure to meet the needs of our customers and consumers”.
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Around 110 employees at the Minden plant have been informed and would be affected if the proposal goes ahead, the spokesperson said.
The company, which is part of the larger US-headquartered confectionery group, is now entering consultation with the Minden works council.
“Our priority now is to support our associates and have a meaningful consultation,” the spokesperson said.
Production at the site is expected to end by late 2026 if the plan is approved.
Minden is one of two Mars Pet Nutrition factories in Germany. The other is a wet-pet-food site in Verden, the group confirmed with Just Food.
The Minden factory mainly produces dry pet-food brands including Perfect Fit, Crave and Pedigree, supplying more than 20 countries across Europe.
If the closure goes ahead, Mars will shift production to other pet-food plants in the EU, according to the statement.
Elsewhere, Mars has previously announced the expansion of its pet-food manufacturing footprint.
In September, the company said it would invest €1bn ($1.18bn) in production and R&D during 2025 and 2026, with projects planned in France, Poland and Spain
The company aims to build what it called a “stronger, more resilient business in Europe”.
Earlier this year, Mars was also linked to plans for a new pet-food factory in Kazakhstan.
According to the country’s Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Agriculture signed an agreement with Mars Petcare Kazakhstan for a facility in Konaev, involving investment of more than KZT88.8bn ($173.6m) and an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes.
At the time, Mars did not comment directly on that project but said: “As a global business, we regularly review opportunities aligned with our long-term strategy. We are currently engaging with relevant authorities in Kazakhstan to explore potential ways to support the sustainable development of the pet-food industry.”
In January, Mars also appointed Marc Carena as global president of Mars Petcare.
Carena joined Mars in 2022, overseeing 55 markets. He previously held senior roles at McDonald’s, Metro and Nestlé, and is also the vice-president of the European Food and Drink Association.
