A continued programme of major upgrades of Mars production facilities in Slough, UK, put at a total value of \u00a3190 million has been confirmed alongside key enhancement of its European sites, reports Neill Barston.<\/p>\n
The company had previously pledged to place \u20ac1 billion into its EU-based manufacturing, as the business seeks to cement its place as a leader within the chocolate confectionery category.<\/p>\n
As the company, which last week played a key role in the Sweets & Snacks Expo event (see our exclusive video review below), which saw the launch of several new lines for the business.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Being the global headquarters for the group, there has also been a major level of investment for the company in its American facilities \u2013 with a massive total of $2 billion being allocated to the region\u2019s manufacturing. Some of this is reportedly linked to its recent acquisition of Kellanova.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition, its European manufacturing bases have also seen significant investment including some \u20ac500 million for its Frenech operations, targeting plant modernisation. This includes renewing an ice cream production line at Steinbourg \u2014 home to Mars\u2019 only European ice cream factory \u2014 and expanding the M&M\u2019s excellence hub in Haguenau.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Mars continues to invest between \u20ac28\u201330 million annually in its Veghel factory. In 2026, this includes an \u20ac18 million investment in a new milk plant and \u20ac16 million in new conches, further strengthening the site\u2019s role as a key chocolate production hub in Europe.<\/p>\n
For its Polish operations, there has been a furthe \u20ac250 million between 2023\u20132027 into its Janasz\u00f3wek chocolate factory. The investment sees advanced automation and increase site capacity by 63%, positioning the factory as a central driver of Mars\u2019 growth ambitions in the region<\/p>\n
British investment\u00a0
As the company noted, its investment in its core Slough site was initiated in 2023, and is anticipated to run until 2028, with the company being reportedly transformed into a \u2018next generation manufacturing hub.\u2019<\/p>\n
Significantly, the UK site is held in especially high regard as the founding location for its\u00a0 Mars Bar in 1932, which has remained at the centre of its portfolio over nearly a century.<\/p>\n
As the company added, in addition to serving the UK market, the factory is a key exporter to the EU. In 2025 alone, the site exported over 2.7 million kilograms of chocolate to Ireland and over 12.3 million kilograms to the Netherlands, demonstrating the interconnectedness of Mars\u2019s European operations.<\/p>\n
Moreover, as the business explained, the ongoing multi-million investment over five years, aims to introduce advanced manufacturing capabilities, combining robotics and AI with upgraded machinery, as well as advanced cooling systems and energy-efficient utilities to improve performance and sustainability across the site.<\/p>\n
Notably, the company is set to deploy digital twin technology to the Slough factory, using AI-driven data to optimise production, ensure consistency, and reduce waste.<\/p>\n
The investment will also support extensive workforce upskilling, creating new routes into advanced engineering, automation, and data-enabled manufacturing roles and ensuring Associates have the skills needed for the future of manufacturing.<\/p>\n
Adam Grant, General Manager Mars Snacking UKI, said: \u201cThis investment reflects our confidence in the UK as a hub to manufacture and innovate. In taking a long-term view, we are ensuring our operations remain world-class, competitive and fit for the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Slough factory is deeply rooted in our heritage, and as a proud family-owned business, we are committed to investing in a future that creates lasting, positive impact for the communities where we operate.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UK\u2019s Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, welcomed the investment by the business, which employs some 25,000 in Europe, across 24 production locations in the region.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThis \u00a3190 million investment by Mars is a strong vote of confidence in the UK as a place to manufacture and innovate. For nearly a century, the Slough factory has produced some of the world\u2019s best-loved brands, and this investment shows global businesses continuing to back British skills, workers and industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
s.<\/p>\n
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