Mars taps robotics and AI as it looks to turn Slough factory into next-generation manufacturing hub
Mars, Incorporated, whose brands include M&M's, Ben's Original, Extra, Snickers, Pedigree, and Whiskas, has announced a £190 million investment between 2023-2028 in its Slough factory in the UK.
The Slough facility, the birthplace of the Mars Bar in 1932, is a vital hub in the company's European network. In addition to serving the UK market, it is a key exporter to the EU. In 2025, it exported over 2.7 million kilograms of chocolate to Ireland and over 12.3 million kilograms to the Netherlands.
The £190 million investment will see the combination of robotics and AI with upgraded machinery, as well as advanced cooling systems and energy efficient utilities to improve performance and sustainability across the site. Mars will deploy digital twin technology to the Slough factory, using AI driven data to optimise production, ensure consistency, and reduce waste. The investment will also support workforce upskilling, creating new routes into advanced engineering, automation, and data enabled manufacturing roles.
Adam Grant, General Manager Mars Snacking UKI, says: "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 where we operate."
The UK's Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, comments: "This £190 million investment by Mars is a strong vote of confidence in the UK as a place to manufacture and innovate. For nearly a century, the Slough factory has produced some of the world's best loved brands, and this investment shows global businesses continuing to back British skills, workers and industry."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI and robotics will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
