Bathurst is set to play a key role in a major new investment by Mars Incorporated, with the company announcing a $200 million commitment to its Australian manufacturing network to increase production capacity, drive innovation, and support more sustainable operations.
The investment will flow across Mars facilities nationally, including the long-established Bathurst site, reinforcing the Central West city’s importance within Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Mars has operated in Bathurst since 1978, producing a range of popular pet food products, including Schmackos, and the company says the latest investment will support future growth, operational efficiencies and new product development.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayers joined Mars representatives for the announcement and said the investment demonstrated continued confidence in Australian manufacturing.
“Mars has a long history of manufacturing in Australia, and I’m delighted to see this $200 million investment to continue improving their Asquith, Bathurst, Wyong, Ballarat, Wacol and Wodonga facilities,” Minister Ayers said.
The latest announcement builds on the significant investment Mars has already made in Australia in recent years. According to the company, more than $450 million has been invested across its Australian operations since 2020 to modernise facilities, improve efficiency and safety, increase production capability and advance sustainability goals.
Mars Australia Managing Director Melodie Nye said the Bathurst operation remained an important part of the company’s national manufacturing footprint.
“Since opening in 1978, our Bathurst factory has become a proud part of the local community and a benchmark for modern pet food manufacturing in Australia,” Ms Nye said.
“This site produces some of our most loved dry food and treat brands, including Schmackos, and it does so with the quality, care and innovation that Bathurst is known for.”
The company said the broader investment program is designed to support a more resilient and low-carbon manufacturing economy while strengthening local supply chains and supporting regional employment.
While a significant portion of the national investment includes the expansion of Mars’ Wodonga facility in Victoria, Bathurst remains a critical manufacturing hub within the company’s Australian operations. Mars currently operates factories in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and employs around 2,400 people nationally.
The announcement also comes as Mars marks 110 years of manufacturing in Australia through brands now part of its portfolio.
Ms Nye said the investment reflected the company’s confidence in Bathurst and regional manufacturing more broadly. “Bathurst is an important part of who we are, and this next phase reflects our deep belief in the talent, capability and future of Australian manufacturing right here in the Central West,” she said.
