Mars is spending £161m ($213m) to “modernise” one of its pet-food plants in the UK.
The investment will add recyclable pouch production lines at the Melton Mowbray site in the East Midlands county of Leicestershire. The facility has been in operation for 75 years and produces brands like Whiskas and Pedigree.
Privately-owned Mars said in a statement the capital injection will also support the installation of new "manufacturing technologies" and utility improvements intended to cut waste.
According to a LinkedIn post by Florence Mouls, the global VP of supply at Mars Pet Nutrition, the upgrade includes the adoption of "smart optical sorting technology" that is expected to halve production waste.
The project will create more than 30 technical and engineering jobs in its first year, the US confectionery and pet-food giant said in the statement.
It will also expand the site’s dedicated apprentice programme from 26 to 33 permanent roles by 2027.
Nick Foster, the general manager of Mars Pet Nutrition for Northern Europe, called the UK a “cornerstone” of the company’s global pet-care business.
“By equipping our teams with world-class technology and sustainable manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening the site's role within our regional supply network and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of British pet owners for years to come,” added Foster.
Mars operates eight manufacturing facilities in the UK, described as its “second-largest” market worldwide.
The latest investment takes Mars’ UK capital expenditure since 2021 to £661m.
Earlier this year, the company announced a £190m investment in its Slough chocolate factory and a £1.2m upgrade to its pet nutrition research and development hub in Birstall.
In September last year, the company said it would invest €1bn (then $1.18bn) in European production and R&D during 2025 and 2026, with projects planned in France, Poland and Spain. The programme is aimed at helping build a “stronger, more resilient business in Europe”.
Mars was also linked to plans for a new pet-food factory in Kazakhstan earlier this year.
