Mars is set to invest £161 million in its 75-year-old pet food factory in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, as part of a modernisation programme. The family-owned company, known for brands such as Whiskas, Pedigree and Sheba, will use the funding to upgrade the site with advanced manufacturing technologies.
Investment details and job creation
The investment will create more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in the first year. It will also expand the company's apprentice programme from 26 to 33 permanent positions by 2027.
This commitment brings Mars's total capital investment in the UK to £661 million since 2021. It follows a £190 million investment announced earlier this year in the Mars chocolate factory in Slough, Berkshire, and a £1.2 million upgrade to its pet nutrition research and development hub in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
Technology and sustainability upgrades
The factory upgrade will introduce smart optical sorting technology, which is expected to cut production waste by more than 50%. The site will also install state-of-the-art pouch lines to enable a switch to fully recyclable mono-PP packaging.
Across its wider UK business, Mars currently employs more than 140 apprentices. The company supports them with a dedicated curriculum focused on upskilling associates in artificial intelligence, digital systems and data analytics.
Leadership and government response
Nick Foster, General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition, Northern Europe, said: "The UK is a cornerstone of our global pet care business at Mars. The £161 million investment is a direct statement of our confidence in the UK market and the vital role our British factories play within our wider European network. Melton Mowbray has been feeding the nation's pets for 75 years. By equipping our teams with world-class technology and sustainable manufacturing capabilities, we're 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."
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "This investment is great news for the East Midlands, which will bring apprenticeships, jobs and opportunities to local communities and shows that our economic plan is working. It's an investment that marks a huge vote of confidence in local talent and British industry - the driving force behind our plan to reindustrialise and bring good growth to every postcode."
Mars employs more than 10,000 people across Britain and operates eight manufacturing facilities across the UK.
