Mars continues multi-billion investment in global sites, including UK production
The multi-billion-dollar investment planned for Mars builds on the ongoing Mars commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing, where 94% of Mars products sold in the U.S. are produced locally in the U.S.
A continued programme of major upgrades of Mars production facilities in Slough, UK, put at a total value of £190 million has been confirmed alongside key enhancement of its European sites, reports Neill Barston.
The company had previously pledged to place €1 billion into its EU-based manufacturing, as the business seeks to cement its place as a leader within the chocolate confectionery category.
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.
Being the global headquarters for the group, there has also been a major level of investment for the company in its American facilities – with a massive total of $2 billion being allocated to the region’s manufacturing. Some of this is reportedly linked to its recent acquisition of Kellanova.
In addition, its European manufacturing bases have also seen significant investment including some €500 million for its Frenech operations, targeting plant modernisation. This includes renewing an ice cream production line at Steinbourg — home to Mars’ only European ice cream factory — and expanding the M&M’s excellence hub in Haguenau.
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Mars continues to invest between €28–30 million annually in its Veghel factory. In 2026, this includes an €18 million investment in a new milk plant and €16 million in new conches, further strengthening the site’s role as a key chocolate production hub in Europe.
For its Polish operations, there has been a furthe €250 million between 2023–2027 into its Janaszówek chocolate factory. The investment sees advanced automation and increase site capacity by 63%, positioning the factory as a central driver of Mars’ growth ambitions in the region
British investment
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 ‘next generation manufacturing hub.’
Significantly, the UK site is held in especially high regard as the founding location for its Mars Bar in 1932, which has remained at the centre of its portfolio over nearly a century.
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’s European operations.
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.
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.
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.
Adam Grant, General Manager Mars Snacking UKI, said: “This 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.
“Our 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.”
The UK’s 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.
He said: “This £190 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’s best-loved brands, and this investment shows global businesses continuing to back British skills, workers and industry.”
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