Mars Petcare Wodonga expansion boosts manufacturing output

Expansion of the Mars Petcare factory in Wodonga is boosting cat food production capacity and creating more than 65 jobs, according to the Victorian Government.

Production has now been expanded to produce more than 29 million cat food pouches each year for Australia and New Zealand markets.

The multi-million-dollar expansion includes a new 7800 m² manufacturing facility fitted with cutting-edge technology, including autonomous mobile robots, automated packaging systems and a hydrostatic cooker. The facility expansion is also supporting the company to deliver new and existing product ranges, including those sold by Whiskas, Dine, Optimum and Advance.

Mars Australia is the largest manufacturer of pet care products in Australia, with its 60-year-old Wodonga manufacturing facility being its largest in the Asia Pacific region.

The site is also on track to become the first of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within the next two years.

“Regional Victoria is a great place to invest, and Mars Petcare’s expansion is creating more than 65 local jobs while helping secure the future of manufacturing in Wodonga,” said Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle.

“We're incredibly proud of our associates, whose passion and dedication have helped bring this milestone to life, and we're excited about the opportunities this creates for the region for many years to come,” said Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand Supply Director Caroline Aspridis.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mujie