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Mars has completed a CAD $180 million (approx. $131 million) investment programme to upgrade manufacturing and modernise workplaces across four facilities in Ontario, Canada.
The investment, carried out between 2022 and 2026, forms part of a 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 (approx. $291 million) since 2015.
More than CAD 100 million (approx. $73 million) of the funding has been directed towards three major packaging line transformations, aimed at increasing production capacity, improving reliability and enabling new product formats aligned with changing consumer preferences.
Across its snacking, pet nutrition and food divisions, the company has also introduced updated safety systems and sustainability measures designed to enhance operational performance and reduce environmental impact.
In Newmarket, a CAD 40 million (approx. $29 million) investment in packaging lines for brands including Mars, 3 Musketeers and Milky Way delivered a 25% increase in production capacity, alongside a 40% reduction in electricity use and a 75% drop in compressed air consumption. The improvements are expected to save approximately 440,000 kilowatt hours annually.
Mars Food & Nutrition’s Bolton facility received CAD 17 million (approx. $12 million) to enhance production lines for brands such as Ben’s Original, increasing capacity by 8% while reducing daily energy usage.
At its Bolton-based pet nutrition site, Mars invested CAD $86 million (approx. $63 million) to expand manufacturing capabilities, increasing production capacity for its Temptations brand by 50%. The upgrades also reduced water use by 15% and cut gas and hydro consumption by 13%.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canin site in Guelph benefited from a CAD $39 million (approx. $28 million) investment focused on modernising operations. The upgrades resulted in a 12% increase in production capacity, alongside reductions in both thermal and electrical energy consumption.
Mars employs around 1,800 people across its Bolton, Newmarket and Guelph sites. 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.”
