Historical information

The world-wide Mars Group built its first Australian manufacturing plant, Uncle Bens of Australia in Wodonga. From humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street Wodonga construction began in 1965 with production starting in March 1967. It was led by the vision of Dr Henry Nowik, a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry.

The plant launched with a production run of 1,000 cans of pet food daily and an initial workforce of approximately 200 employees. By 1991, the site was producing 2 million cans of pet food daily. By its 30th anniversary in 1997, annual sales reached $700 million, with 30% consisting of exports.
When the company celebrated its 30th year of production in 1997, it employed 530 people in manufacturing and 230 in support services and the national office.

This DVD was created in 2007 to celebrate 40 years of the company it Wodonga. It looks back at people instrumental in the company's development over that period. 2007 was also a time of celebration with the opening of a new, more extensive manufacturing plant officially opened on 6th February 2007 by The Honourable John Brumby, Treasurer of Victoria and Linda Mars.

Significance

This item is significant because it was to produce to record and celebrate 40 years of a major manufacturing industry in Wodonga.

Physical description

A DVD containing two short videos
1. "Reflections - 40 Years of Leadership and
2. "Celebrations - 40 Years of Success".
It was produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mars Petcare in Wodonga in 2007.
The DVD is accompanied by a letter from David Ansell, Vice President - Petcare at Wodonga.

Inscriptions & markings

MARS PETCARE AUSTRALIA
40 Years 2007
Enhancing the MAGIC of pet ownership