Mars announces £161 million investment in Melton Mowbray pet food manufacturing site
Melton Borough Council has welcomed the announcement that Mars is investing £161 million to modernise and future-proof its historic Melton Mowbray factory. Mars has been part of Melton Mowbray for 75 years and the site is one of the region's largest employers. The investment will establish Melton Mowbray as Mars's primary UK factory for pouched pet food, introduce advanced manufacturing technology and create more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in its first year, alongside an expansion of its apprenticeship programme.
Cllr Ronan Browne, Leader of Melton Borough Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Melton Mowbray and a huge vote of confidence in our town, our local economy and our workforce.
“For 75 years, Mars has been part of the fabric of Melton Mowbray, providing high-quality employment and creating opportunities for generations of local people. This £161 million commitment builds on that proud history while looking firmly to the future, bringing advanced manufacturing technology, new skilled jobs and further apprenticeship opportunities to the town.
“This investment also strongly complements our ambitions for inward investment in Melton. Our strategy is about building on the borough's established strengths, particularly in food production, while encouraging innovation, higher-skilled jobs and investment in the industries of the future. Mars's decision to make this substantial long-term investment in Melton is a powerful demonstration of that ambition in action.
“We are particularly proud of the strong relationship we have developed with Mars. Our Planning and Regeneration teams have worked closely with the business across its operations in Melton and Waltham, engaging early and working collaboratively to help support its ambitions. That proactive approach is central to our aim of making Melton a business-friendly place where existing businesses can grow and investors have confidence to make long-term commitments.
“The fact that this investment will establish Melton Mowbray as Mars's primary UK factory for pouched pet food further strengthens our position as a nationally important centre for food production and advanced manufacturing. We are delighted that Mars is continuing to invest in Melton and look forward to working with them as this exciting programme progresses.”
Read more about the announcement on the Mars website.