The move will see the US giant introduce new high-speed, fully recyclable pouch production lines, advanced manufacturing technologies, as well as waste-reducing utility upgrades at the Leicestershire site.
This latest announcement will take Mars’ total investment in its UK manufacturing and operational network to more than £500 million since 2021.
Mars says the investment is a “direct statement” of the company’s confidence in the UK market as a hub for manufacturing and showcases “the importance British factories play” within its wider European network.
The manufacturer has maintained a presence at its Melton Mowbray site for 75 years, where internationally recognised brands including Whiskas and Pedigree have long been produced.
Currently, the site is one of the region’s largest employers and a vital production hub for Mars Petcare, supplying 95% of its output to British households and exporting the remaining 5% to key European markets.
Running through to 2031, the modernisation programme will establish Melton Mowbray as Mars’ primary pouched pet food factory in the UK.
Sharon Ross, plant manager at Mars Melton Mowbray, said: “Melton Mowbray holds a unique place in Mars history as our first pet care site. Having celebrated 75 years of manufacturing this year, this £161 million investment is a profound vote of confidence in our site, our Associates, and the wider community.
“By integrating cutting-edge technology and expanding our apprenticeship programme, we are building on our proud heritage, equipping the next generation with future-ready engineering skills, and writing an exciting new chapter for the iconic brands like Whiskas made right here.”
The upgrade will install advanced pouch production lines designed to support recyclable mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) packaging, which is designed for improved recyclability and will support the business’ ambitions to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Mars says the new technology will also improve efficiency, including AI-powered cameras to detect quality defects earlier and minimise waste.
In addition to technology upgrades, the transformation will also see Mars invest in British engineering skills and career pathways.
In its first year, the investment will create more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles and expand the site’s permanent apprenticeship cohort to 33 positions.
According to the manufacturer, these apprenticeships will focus on technical and operational areas, including mechanical and electrical engineering.
Kevin Crook, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic for Melton Mowbray. Mars has been an important part of the local community for eight decades and this significant investment highlights its commitment to the area.
“We want to help make this a success for Mars and Leicestershire, which is why we’re working to bring partners together to help increase employment opportunities for local people and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors to be a part of this investment. Melton Mowbray has helped to make Mars the successful business it is today, and I’m sure this will continue over the coming years.”
