3 min read - 15 May, 2026
Mars invests £190m to transform Slough chocolate factory
Global snacking giant Mars has unveiled a major £190m investment that transforms its historic Slough factory into a next-generation manufacturing hub.
The first phase of the investment began in 2023, with upgrades continuing through to 2028. Of the £190m total, £32m is forward-looking and planned for 2027-2028. This builds on more than £118m in UK capital investment across its snacking, food and petcare businesses in 2024–25 alone, reinforcing the UK’s strategic importance to the company.
The investment is introducing state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, combining robotics and AI with upgraded machinery, as well as advanced cooling systems and energy-efficient utilities to improve performance and sustainability across the site.
Furthermore, leveraging best-in-class engineering and intelligent technologies, Mars will deploy digital twin technology to the Slough factory, using AI-driven data to optimise production. The technology will enable precise process control, consistency and uniformity across product lines – helping deliver the perfect Mars Bar each time – while enabling real-time decision-making on the factory floor and reducing waste.
Mars has unveiled a major investment in its Slough factory, home to iconic chocolate brands including Galaxy, Snickers and Maltesers / Picture: Mars
Alongside physical upgrades, the investment will support extensive workforce upskilling, creating new progression routes into advanced engineering, automation, data and AI-enabled manufacturing roles, and ensuring associates have the skills needed for the future of manufacturing and engineering.
Adam Grant, general manager of Mars Snacking UK&I, said: “This investment reflects our confidence in the UK as a hub to manufacture and innovate. In taking a long-term view, we are ensuring our operations remain world-class, competitive and fit for the future. Our Slough factory is deeply rooted in our heritage, and as a proud family-owned business, we are committed to investing in a future that creates lasting, positive impact for the communities in which we operate.”
Established in 1932 by Forrest Mars, the Slough factory is the birthplace of the iconic Mars Bar and is now home to several of the company’s flagship confectionery brands, including Galaxy, Snickers and Maltesers.
Alongside meeting UK demand, the site produces chocolates for distribution in Ireland and the Netherlands. The site remains a major local employer, employing more than 1,850 people, supporting multiple generations of families.
The £190m investment began in 2023 and will continue through to 2028, expanding advanced manufacturing and digital capabilities / Picture: Mars
Mars also plays a central role in the local community, with volunteering programmes focused on litter clean-up, supporting food banks and the Britwell Youth and Community Project. Mars associates have also been engaging with hundreds of students in local schools, promoting apprenticeships and providing mentoring and support. Supported by VisionPath, this work is driving the uptake of apprenticeships and has been significantly improving the diversity of its apprentices, with 77 per cent now coming from ethnically diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds.
Tan Dhesi MP, added: “Mars has been part of our community in Slough for almost a century and remains one of our major local employers. It also plays an important role beyond the factory gates – supporting community organisations, volunteering, and helping young people into apprenticeships. This £190 million investment is a clear vote of confidence in our local economy and workforce. I welcome the long-term commitment Mars continues to show to our community.”
