Mars to invest US$1.17B in Europe to boost manufacturing, innovation
This investment will help ensure the region remains a hub for both production and exports.
EUROPE – Mars, Incorporated has announced a major investment of €1 billion (US$1.17 billion) in its European Union operations by the end of 2026.
The move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Europe, where it has been operating for over 90 years, with 24 factories across 10 EU countries, employing 25,000 people, and exporting to more than 100 global markets.
The new investment builds on €1.5 billion (US$1.61 billion) that Mars has already spent in the region over the past five years.
That money was invested in modernising production facilities, increasing capacity, and introducing new technologies to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
With the additional €1 billion, Mars aims to support innovation further, strengthen resilience, and expand sustainable infrastructure across its operations.
Currently, 85% of Mars products sold in the EU are made locally within the bloc. This investment will help ensure the region remains a hub for both production and exports, positioning Europe at the centre of the company’s global strategy.
“We take a long-term view – we believe in Europe and want to see more growth for the benefit of consumers and EU economies,” said Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars.
“Our investments are designed to keep our operations world-class, competitive, and aligned with Europe’s long-term priorities. It’s not just about growth – it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient business that delivers innovation, supports local suppliers, and strengthens communities.”
Key areas of investment
One major focus of the investment is modernising manufacturing. Mars is upgrading its factories across Europe to improve efficiency and deliver new innovations to consumers.
Between 2023 and 2027, the company will channel approximately €250 million (US$268 million) into its chocolate factory in Janaszówek, Poland.
The facility, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, will benefit from state-of-the-art automation and a 63% increase in production capacity, underscoring its importance to Mars’ regional growth strategy.
Another priority is driving sustainability. Since 2015, Mars has cut its global greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by more than 16%, even as the business expanded by 69%.
In Europe, the company has introduced several milestone initiatives. Its Steinbourg ice cream factory in France, which produces brands such as Snickers, Twix, and Bounty, now runs entirely on renewable energy, becoming the first Mars site worldwide to operate without fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, in Lithuania, a pet nutrition facility has installed a cutting-edge pouch production line powered exclusively by renewable electricity.
To further address agricultural emissions, Mars is investing US$47 million (€44 million) in its “Moo’ving Dairy Forward” plan, designed to reduce methane emissions across several EU member states, including the Netherlands.
Mars is also supporting local economies by building strong partnerships with farmers, suppliers, and technology providers. In France, the company has committed €100 million (US$107 million) to modernise and digitise its industrial sites.
This initiative not only strengthens local employment but also advances Mars’ broader Net Zero journey, ensuring that its economic contributions are tied to sustainability goals.
Through these efforts, Mars is reinforcing Europe’s role as both a cornerstone of its global production network and a hub of innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.
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