Lily Sawyer is an in-house writer for Food & Beverage Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the...
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Mars Canada strengthens its long-term commitment to growth with a $180 million investment in Ontario, enhancing manufacturing capacity, sustainability performance, and workplace innovation across its diverse portfolio.
Mars Canada has completed a $180 million (CAD) investment program to modernize manufacturing, accelerate innovation, and strengthen operational resilience across its four Ontario-based facilities.
Spanning 2022 to 2026, the initiative reinforces the company’s enduring presence in Canada, where it has operated for more than a century.
It also brings Mars’ total investment in the country to nearly $400 million since 2015, underlining a sustained commitment to local industry, communities, and economic growth.
Distributed across its Snacking, Pet Nutrition, Food and Nutrition, and Royal Canin divisions, the investment focuses on upgrading infrastructure, improving sustainability performance, and futureproofing production capabilities in line with evolving consumer demand.
“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. For generations, Mars has been proud to make, invest, and grow in Canada. These upgrades reflect our continued focus on advancing innovation, sustainability, and workplace modernization, ensuring our business continues to thrive and contribute to Canada’s economic vitality for years to come”
At the heart of the program is a major push towards packaging and production transformation. More than $100 million has been allocated to three large-scale packaging line upgrades designed to enhance efficiency, increase reliability, and unlock new product formats.
These upgrades are not only boosting throughput but also enabling Mars to respond more dynamically to shifting market preferences while maintaining the consistency and quality associated with its globally recognized brands.
Alongside production enhancements, Mars has introduced best-in-class safety systems and operational improvements across all sites, ensuring that workplace modernization remains central to its long-term strategy.
SITE-SPECIFIC IMPACT, NATIONWIDE VALUE
The investment delivers targeted benefits across Mars Canada’s Ontario footprint, with each facility playing a distinct role in driving performance and sustainability gains.
Bolton – Mars Pet Nutrition: An $86 million investment has increased production capacity for TEMPTATIONS™ products by 50 percent, while reducing water usage by 15 percent and cutting gas and hydro consumption by 13 percent. The site also marks its 40th anniversary, highlighting decades of innovation and community impact.
Newmarket – Mars Snacking: A $40 million upgrade to packaging lines has driven a 25 percent increase in production capacity. At the same time, electricity usage has been reduced by 40 percent and compressed air consumption by 75 percent, resulting in annual energy savings of approximately 440,487 kilowatt-hours.
Bolton – Mars Food & Nutrition: With a $17 million investment, the facility has enhanced production lines for brands such as Ben’s Original™, increasing capacity by 8 percent and reducing daily energy usage. The site celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, reflecting a strong legacy of growth and innovation.
Guelph – Royal Canin: A $39 million modernization program has improved safety and quality standards, while increasing production capacity by 12 percent. Energy efficiency gains include a 12 percent reduction in thermal energy use and an 11 percent reduction in electricity consumption.
Together, these upgrades demonstrate how targeted capital investment can deliver both operational and environmental returns at scale.
“As we mark 40 years of operations in Bolton, producing trusted brands like PEDIGREE®, TEMPTATIONS™ and WHISKAS®, this investment underscores our commitment to Canadian manufacturing and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve the evolving needs of our customers, our community, and pet parents, while furthering innovation for the future growth of the category”
Beyond capacity expansion, the program reflects a clear emphasis on sustainability. Across all sites, Mars has embedded energy efficiency, resource conservation, and emissions reduction into its operational improvements.
From reduced electricity consumption in Newmarket to lower water usage in Bolton and improved thermal efficiency in Guelph, the investment illustrates how manufacturing modernization and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
This dual focus aligns with broader industry trends, where manufacturers are increasingly expected to deliver growth while minimizing environmental impact.
“By investing in manufacturing here in Canada, we’re strengthening the resilience of our operations while unlocking new opportunities for our pet owners, Associates, and communities. These upgrades position us to deliver long-term value, driving innovation, supporting local economies, and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of Canadian consumers today and in the future”
Central to Mars Canada’s strategy are its 1,800 Associates across Bolton, Newmarket, and Guelph. The investment not only enhances production capabilities but also creates safer, more advanced workplaces that support employee well-being and productivity.
By strengthening local manufacturing infrastructure, Mars is also contributing to the resilience of Canadian supply chains and supporting regional economic development.
The company’s continued investment reflects confidence in both its workforce and the broader Canadian market, positioning its operations for sustained growth in the years ahead.
“This investment in our manufacturing capabilities marks a significant milestone for our Canadian operations. By modernizing our facilities, we’re fueling future growth and helping ensure our beloved products, like Ben’s Original™, continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. As our Bolton Food Plant celebrates 25 years this year, this investment reflects both pride in our legacy and confidence in what lies ahead”
Mars Canada’s $180 million investment represents more than a series of facility upgrades – it is a strategic commitment to the future of manufacturing in Canada.
By combining innovation, sustainability, and workplace modernization, the company is building a foundation for long-term competitiveness, while ensuring its products continue to meet the needs of consumers and pet owners alike.
As the manufacturing landscape evolves, Mars’ approach offers a clear blueprint: invest in people, embrace technology, and embed sustainability at every level of operations.
In doing so, the company is not only strengthening its own position but also contributing to a more resilient, efficient, and forward-looking manufacturing sector in Canada.
Lily Sawyer is an in-house writer for Food & Beverage Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.
