Mars Inc. has committed £190 million to transform its Slough, England facility into a "next-generation manufacturing hub," the company announced. The investment runs from 2023 through 2028 and follows a €1 billion European Union investment Mars unveiled last year.
Advanced manufacturing and automation
The Slough plant will receive upgraded machinery, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities alongside advanced cooling systems and energy-efficient utilities, according to Mars. Digital twin technology powered by AI will optimize production at the facility, sharpening process control, consistency and uniformity across product lines. The company said the technology will enable real-time decision-making on the factory floor and reduce waste.
Historic site and export role
Established by Forrest Mars in 1932, the Slough plant is the birthplace of the Mars bar and produces flagship brands including Galaxy, Maltesers, Snickers and Mars bars. The facility serves the UK market and acts as a key exporter to the EU. In 2025, the Slough facility supplied more than 2.7 million kg of chocolate to Ireland and over 12.3 million kg to the Netherlands.
Workforce upskilling
Mars said the investment will support workforce upskilling to create new routes into advanced engineering, automation and data-enabled manufacturing roles. The company has 10,000 employees in the United Kingdom.
Investment timeline and allocation
Of the £190 million total, Mars allocated more than £118 million across its snacking, food and pet care businesses in 2024 and 2025, with plans to allot £32 million for 2027 to 2028.
Broader European strategy
Mars operates 24 facilities across 10 EU countries, employing 25,700 people and exporting to over 100 markets. The Slough investment sits within Mars' wider EU modernization plan. In France, Mars has invested nearly €500 million over the past five years across eight facilities, including refurbishing an ice cream production line at Steinbourg and expanding the M&M's excellence hub in Haguenau, Europe's largest M&M's plant. Both sites export more than 70% of their output. In the Netherlands, Mars invests €28 million to €30 million annually at its Veghel facility, with 2026 plans including €18 million for a new milk plant and €16 million for new conches. In Poland, Mars is investing €250 million between 2023 and 2027 into its Janaszówek chocolate plant to boost site capacity by 63%.