Marybeth Collins
Mars, Incorporated announced plans to invest $1.07 billion (€1 billion) in its European Union operations by the conclude of 2026. The investment will modernize facilities, expand innovation, and accelerate sustainability programs across the company’s 24 factories in 10 EU countries.
This builds on more than $1.61 billion (€1.5 billion) invested in EU manufacturing over the past five years, which assisted modernize operations, boost capacity, and advance decarbonization goals. Mars currently employs 25,000 people across the region, with 85% of EU sales produced locally.
“We take a long-term view – we believe in Europe and we would like to see more growth for the benefit of consumers in the EU economies,” stated Claus Aagaard, CFO for Mars, in the September 18 press release. “For Mars, this is about more than just growth. It’s also about building a stronger, more resilient business in Europe – one that delivers more innovation to consumers, delivers value for thousands of our European suppliers, and creates lasting, positive impacts in the communities where we operate.”
Manufacturing and Modernization
Mars will upgrade production sites to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation. One example is a $268 million (€250 million) investment at its Janaszówek, Poland, chocolate factory, which will bring advanced automation and increase capacity by 63% between 2023–2027. The site marks its 30th anniversary this year and is central to Mars’ growth ambitions in Central Europe.
Driving Decarbonization
Mars has reduced its Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhoutilize gas emissions by more than 16% since 2015 while its business grew 69%. To build on this progress, Mars is embedding renewable energy and emissions reduction into its EU supply chain.
- Its Steinbourg, France ice cream plant became the first Mars facility worldwide to run entirely on renewable electricity.
- A Lithuanian pet nutrition facility now operates with a renewable-powered pouch production line.
- Beyond manufacturing, the company is tackling agricultural emissions through its $47 million Moo’ving Dairy Forward Plan, which tarreceives methane reductions in dairy supply chains across the Netherlands and other EU states.
Strengthening Local Economies
Mars has also committed more than $107 million (€100 million) to modernize and digitize its French industrial sites in 2025. These upgrades aim to support local employment while aligning with the EU’s Net-Zero goals.
The company’s efforts reflect a broader corporate push to localize production and strengthen resilience in global supply chains. With Europe facing heightened energy costs, labor pressures, and regulatory demands on climate reporting, companies like Mars are creating strategic bets to ensure competitiveness while meeting sustainability requirements such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
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