Mars, Incorporated announced a £190 million investment to transform its historic Slough factory,the nearly century-old birthplace of the Mars bar, into what the company is calling a next-generation manufacturing hub.
The multi-year investment, which began in 2023 and runs through 2028, includes £32 million in forward-looking capital earmarked for 2027 and 2028.
Established in 1932 by Forrest Mars, the Slough facility produces several of the company's flagship confectionery brands, including GALAXY, MALTESERS and the iconic MARS bar. Beyond meeting UK demand, the site supplies chocolate to Ireland and the Netherlands. And employs over 1,850 people.
The investment will expand advanced manufacturing, digital capabilities, sustainability initiatives and workforce upskilling. Mars also plans to deploy digital twin technology at the site, leveraging AI-driven data to optimize production processes and ensure consistency across product lines.
"This investment reflects our confidence in the UK as a hub to manufacture and innovate," Adam Grant, General Manager of Mars Snacking UKI, says. "In taking a long-term view, we are ensuring our operations remain world-class, competitive and fit for the future."
The Slough commitment is part of a broader global manufacturing strategy at Mars, which includes a planned €1 billion investment across the European Union and an additional $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing in 2026.
Workforce development is also a central pillar of the project. Mars says the investment will fund extensive upskilling programs, creating new pathways into advanced engineering, automation and AI-enabled manufacturing roles. Through its partnership with VisionPath, 77% of Mars's UK apprentices now come from ethnically diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds.
