Mars to close its factory in Belgium  

BELGIUM – Mars has announced it will close its factory in Olen, Belgium, by the end of 2026, impacting approximately 80 jobs.   

The Olen plant, known for producing and packaging Ben’s Original rice products (formerly Uncle Ben’s), has been operational for about 50 years and represents Mars’ only manufacturing facility in Belgium.  

The company cited significant economic pressures as the primary reason for the closure. These include sharply declining production volumes and rapidly rising costs, resulting in factory underutilization and substantial inefficiencies.   

Mars has stated that they plan to outsource the production of dry Ben’s Original rice in Europe to an external manufacturer following the closure.  

Mars, which has been present in Belgium since 1962, maintains a notable local footprint, including two offices, one housing the global Mars Petcare headquarters, along with a diagnostic laboratory and multiple veterinary clinics.   

Despite the closure of the Olen factory, the company plans to continue its broader operational presence in Belgium.  

Mars emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and that the priority now is to conduct a constructive, transparent consultation process with employees and unions. The company aims to support affected workers throughout the transition with care and respect.  

This closure coincides with Mars’ wider strategy to invest €1 billion (US$1.16 billion) in 2025 and 2026 in production and research and development initiatives across several other European countries, including France, Poland, and Spain.   

These investments are aimed at strengthening Mars’ manufacturing capabilities and innovation pipeline elsewhere, reflecting a move to optimize production and cost structures amid challenging economic conditions.  

The Olen plant’s closure marks a significant shift in Mars’ European manufacturing landscape and underscores the ongoing pressures global food manufacturers face from inflation, supply chain disruptions, and evolving consumer demands.   

The company’s focus appears to be on consolidating operations to more efficient sites and leveraging outsourcing as part of its long-term strategy.  

Mars’ decision to close the Belgian factory will reshape its European rice production while highlighting its commitment to broader modernization and investment strategies elsewhere in the region.   

The move is a tactical response to economic challenges and an effort to balance operational efficiency with future growth.  

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