Mars, Incorporated, has announced a £161 million investment to modernise and future-proof its pet nutrition factory in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Mars has been present in Melton Mowbray for 75 years, and the town is the birthplace of brands including Whiskas and Pedigree. The production hub supplies 95% of its output to British households and exports the remaining 5% to European markets.
Running through to 2031, the modernisation programme will establish Melton Mowbray as Mars, Incorporated’s primary pouched pet food factory in the UK. The upgrade will install advanced pouch production lines designed to support recyclable mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) packaging, designed for improved recyclability and will support the business’ ambitions to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. New technology includes AI-powered cameras to detect quality defects earlier and minimise waste.
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.
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.”
