Snacking and pet food company, Mars Incorporated, is set to open a new $112.5 million wet pouch facility at its Wodonga petfood factory this June, initially announced in June 2023.
When the project was announced, the company stated it would be a 7800 square metre manufacturing facility, housing two advanced Single Serve Pouch lines to produce for Whiskas, Advance, Optimum, Dine, and new product ranges. The new facility will be digitally enabled, aiming to advance sovereign capability in high-tech, AI enabled manufacturing and creating 60 new jobs. The expansion was supported by funding from the Victorian government.
In October 2024, the company also revealed the Wodonga factory would feature a $39.3 million Solar Thermal Plant, partially funded through a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The Plant contributed to Mars’ goal of halving carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2030 and investing $1 billion from 2023-2026 to accelerate its progress to Net Zero emissions.
The company stated the Wodonga investment reinforces its commitment to sustainable manufacturing in Australia – supporting regional jobs, strengthening local supply chains and helping to build a more resilient, low-carbon economy.
Mars managing director, Melodie Nye, said the investment will enable Mars to increase operational efficiencies and deliver on the expectations of its customers and consumers.
“We are proud of the role our Australian manufacturing sites play across our operations, and this investment strengthens that commitment for the long term,” said Nye.
“Our teams continue to lead the way in quality, innovation and sustainability, and this next phase of investment ensures we can keep delivering the trusted products Australians rely on every day.
“This latest investment demonstrates the belief of Mars in the future of Australian manufacturing and the positive impact it has on the communities where we operate. When we invest locally, we create jobs, deepen capability and help regional economies thrive, delivering long‑term value for people, pets and the planet,” she said.
Mars has spent more than $450 million over the past five years across its manufacturing sites to improve quality, safety, productivity and sustainability.
Last April the company invested $6.5 million into its Asquith gum and mints factory, commissioning a new production line to increase capacity by more than 60 per cent.
With the introduction of Mars Wrigley’s world-first paper-based flexible wrappers for Mars Bar, Snickers and Milky Way chocolates in 2022, the company has invested more than $80 million in the manufacturing operations at its Ballarat factory since 2021.
The company’s acquisition of Kellanova in December 2025 also expanded the Mars Australia footprint, to include the Kellogg’s cereal factory in Botany, New South Wales.
Mars employs 2400 Australian employees across its seven factories and two corporate offices in Melbourne and Sydney. The company produces iconic confectionery, condiments, and petfood brands, including Milky Way, Masterfoods, and Pedigree.
