Mars Incorporated completes US$180M investment to modernise manufacturing across Ontario facilities
Mars upgrades four Ontario facilities to boost capacity, improve sustainability and strengthen long-term manufacturing resilience as part of its continued investment in Canada.
CANADA – Mars Incorporated has completed a CAD $180 million (US$131 million) investment programme to upgrade manufacturing operations and modernise workplaces across four facilities in Ontario, Canada.
The investment, carried out between 2022 and 2026, is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen local production, improve operational efficiency and support economic growth. It brings Mars’ total investment in its Canadian operations to nearly CAD 400 million (US$291 million) since 2015.
More than CAD 100 million (US$73 million) of the funding was allocated to three major packaging line transformations. These upgrades are aimed at increasing production capacity, improving reliability and enabling new product formats aligned with evolving consumer preferences.
Across its snacking, pet nutrition and food divisions, Mars has also implemented updated safety systems and sustainability initiatives designed to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact.
At its Newmarket facility, a CAD 40 million (US$29 million) investment in packaging lines for brands including Mars, 3 Musketeers and Milky Way delivered a 25% increase in production capacity.
The upgrades also reduced electricity use by 40% and compressed air consumption by 75%, with expected annual energy savings of approximately 440,000 kilowatt hours.
Mars Food & Nutrition’s Bolton facility received CAD 17 million (US$12 million) to improve production lines for brands such as Ben’s Original. The enhancements increased capacity by 8% while lowering daily energy consumption.
At its Bolton-based pet nutrition site, Mars invested CAD 86 million (US$63 million) to expand manufacturing capabilities, boosting production capacity for its Temptations brand by 50%. The improvements also reduced water usage by 15% and cut gas and hydro consumption by 13%.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canin site in Guelph benefited from a CAD 39 million (US$28 million) investment focused on operational modernisation. The upgrades delivered a 12% increase in production capacity alongside reductions in both thermal and electrical energy use.
Mars employs around 1,800 people across its Bolton, Newmarket and Guelph locations. The company said the investment will support long-term growth, strengthen manufacturing resilience and enable continued innovation across its product portfolio.
Ellen Thompson, general manager of Mars Snacking Canada, said: “Rooted in more than a century of Canadian history, this investment represents both the future of our industry and our unwavering commitment to the Canadian market and economy. These upgrades reflect our continued focus on advancing innovation, sustainability and workplace modernisation, ensuring our business continues to thrive and contribute to Canada’s economic vitality for years to come.”
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