The future still looks bright for Ballarat’s Mars factory, after the multi-national company raised concerns with the cost of its Australian manufacturing.
At a Senate inquiry into supermarkets last week, the company said its six Australian manufacturing sites are among the most expensive to run in its global network.
In its submission, the company attributed this to wages, cost of raw supplies and lengthy supply chains to reach Australia with imported ingredients.
They said without more investment in the sector, Australian food manufacturers will find it increasingly challenging to compete with imported products, with an increased risk of production moving offshore.
Following the inquiry, a spokesperson from Mars says they’re committed to manufacturing in Australia.
The company highlighted an investment of $67 million since 2021 to improve the capabilities of their Ballarat facility, including $28.8 million last year.
They say global factors will continue to present challenges when it comes to operating in any market, but local manufacturing is in their DNA and will continue to be into the future.
The company employs 344 staff at their Ballarat factory in Wendouree.
