Linda Mars (middle) und Loic Moutault (2.f.l.) welcomed prominent guests to the 50th anniversary of Mars Petcare in Verden: Lutz Brockmann, Christian Wulff und Wolfgang Apel (f.l.t.r.). The ceremony was moderated by Sandra Maischberger (3.f.l.).
 

Verden, 27 May 2010 – Memories and triumphs, the associates and brand icons, a history of sales success and company responsibility, since 1960 – these were all part of looking back and looking forward for Mars Petcare Deutschland and the 550 invited guests today at their headquarters in Verden.  Success with tasty, nutritional food for pets – from innovations in commercial pet food packed in cans 50 years ago to the wide range of products available now – all made possible by having engaged associates strongly committed to that success over the years.

The associates remain THE capital of Mars Petcare. General Manager Loic Moutault connected the dots between the visions and principles of the Mars family and the associates - from their pioneer work in Germany to the people working here now. “Responsibility for Quality and Products, for Pets and People has been the company’s dedicated mission from the very beginning.  The success of this market leader has always been due to the efforts of our associates“, explained Moutault.  However, the General Manager did not limit his appreciation only to his associates.  “Besides our own people, major contributions to the success of Mars were made by customers, suppliers and business partners accompanying us on long stretches of this journey over the last 50 years.”

"Verden has always been very special to the family and the company", as Linda Mars, Member of the Board of Directors at Mars Inc., reported from her own experience.  Looking back on her job in Verden as a Product Development Manager, Linda Mars knows from her own experience about ambitions to keep the factory always state-of-the–art. The clever ideas that were used to conquer the German market through the hearts and minds of pet owners along with the amazing innovative spirit of the Mars associates in Germany whenever technical or structural obstacles needed to be overcome were all mentioned in her speech.

The now 50-year old company of Mars Petcare Deutschland also highlighted today that doing research together with 120 cats and 65 dogs in the new Pet Center in Verden on finding palatable and healthy food innovations represents an important aspect of their caring for the well-being of pets.  Mars Petcare in Verden is also involved in many activities that benefit the city and region, as numerous guests from both politics and the community emphasized in their congratulatory speeches. "This company is a reliable, engaged and responsible employer, and besides that, remains a powerful economic force in this region", stressed Christian Wulff, Lower Saxony's Prime Minister.

"For decades now, both Pedigree and Whiskas have been strong and committed partners for our organization of over 700 incorporated animal protection societies in a common goal of protecting animals in Germany.  Moreover, their multifaceted, informative advertising and the many activities promoting a beneficial co-existence of people and pets all need to be pointed out", praised Wolfgang Apel, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation. He also highlighted their work in finding new homes for pets through actions such as the "Pedigree Adoption Drive", now running successfully for several years