UK | Mars has unveiled a major GBP 190 million investment that transforms its historic Slough factory into a next-generation manufacturing hub.
Of the total investment since 2023, GBP 32 million is forward-looking and planned for 2027-2028. This builds on more than GBP 118 million in UK capital investment across its Snacking, Food and Petcare businesses in 2024–25 alone, reinforcing the UK’s strategic importance to the company.
Established in 1932 by Forrest Mars, the Slough factory is the birthplace of the iconic Mars bar and is now home to several of the company’s flagship confectionery brands.
Alongside meeting UK demand, the site produces chocolates for distribution in Ireland and the Netherlands and has remained a major local employer for the local community.
The investment has introduced state-of-the-art 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.
Furthermore, leveraging best-in-class engineering and intelligent technologies, Mars will deploy digital twin technology to the Slough factory, using AI-driven data to optimise production.
The technology will enable precise process control, consistency and uniformity across product lines, helping deliver the “perfect” Mars bar each time, while enabling real-time decision-making on the factory floor and reducing waste.
Alongside physical upgrades, the investment will support extensive workforce upskilling, creating new progression routes into advanced engineering, automation, data and AI-enabled manufacturing roles, and ensuring Associates have the skills needed for the future of manufacturing and engineering.
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