Paws up as new pet food factory takes shape

10/07/2025

A leading pet food manufacturer is pouncing on the booming cat food market, with work progressing on a major expansion at its regional site - creating new products and local jobs.

Mars Australia’s new manufacturing site spans 7,800 square metres and will support the production of more than 290 million single-serve cat food pouches each year.

It will also shift the company’s production of its cat food pouches onshore in a major boost to Victoria’s manufacturing sector.

We've supported the $112.6 million expansion of Mars which will create around 60 new jobs and bring the company’s workforce in Wodonga to almost 500 people.

Australia’s cat ownership is growing, and with it, the demand for convenient and trusted petfood.

Pouch products make up the biggest share in the Australian wet cat food market, creating an opportunity to meet consumer demand for both Australian and New Zealand markets.

The Wodonga expansion will support new and existing product ranges including Whiskas, Advance, Optimum, and Dine, with operations at the new site expected to start early next year.

Mars Australia is the largest manufacturer of pet care products in Australia.

Opening in 1967, the company’s pet food manufacturing factory in Wodonga has grown to become the largest supply site in the Asia Pacific region.

The site which produces the Pedigree and Whiskas brands will become the first of its kind to operate entirely on renewable energy within the next two years.

This next chapter in the factory’s growth is a win for local workers, suppliers and pet lovers alike - putting regional Victoria on the map for manufacturing, jobs and investment.