The Government of Kazakhstan has approved construction of a new plant to produce ready-to-feed pet food in the Almaty region, the cabinet announced on 2 January. The decree signing, confirmed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, follows an agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Mars Petcare Kazakhstan to build the facility in Konayev.
Kazakhstan pet food plant to create jobs and boost local industry
The factory is scheduled to be completed and commissioned by 31 December 2030. Officials say the plant will create 200 jobs, with Kazakh citizens occupying at least 85% of the roles. The project is presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic food-processing capacity and support regional industrial development.
Mars Petcare Kazakhstan, a local subsidiary of the global pet care company, will be responsible for investment and construction. The company’s entry is expected to supplement existing production centres across the country. Currently, pet food manufacturing in Kazakhstan is concentrated in Almaty, Akmola, Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions, with additional plants in Zhambyl region, Astana and Almaty city.
Government sources say the new plant will serve both domestic and regional markets, improving supply chains for finished pet food products and reducing reliance on imports. Local officials are also emphasising workforce development, signalling possible training initiatives to ensure the factory’s labour needs can be met by the Kazakh workforce.
Construction plans and timelines will be subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, and the government has not yet published detailed investment figures or the exact capacity of the planned production line. Nevertheless, analysts note that foreign direct investment into light manufacturing and consumer goods, such as pet food, can generate steady employment and foster linkages with local suppliers.
The announcement comes amid a wider push by Kazakhstan to diversify its industrial base beyond traditional sectors. By attracting established multinational firms, authorities aim to transfer technical know-how, modern production standards and export potential to the domestic economy.
Local reaction has emphasised the potential benefits to regional employment and the supply of consumer goods. With 85% of jobs earmarked for nationals, the government appears to be seeking to strike a balance between attracting foreign capital and protecting local labour interests.
For Mars Petcare, expanding production in Kazakhstan reflects a broader strategy to position manufacturing closer to growing consumer markets in Central Asia. The Konayev facility would join a network of regional operations designed to respond quickly to market demand and reduce logistical costs for finished products.
As the project progresses, observers will look for more detailed disclosures on investment size, production capacity and potential export destinations. The plant’s contribution to local supply chains and employment will be key measures of its success once construction advances.
Officials expect to provide further updates as construction milestones are reached and regulatory processes advance.
Key Takeaways:
- Mars Petcare will construct a Kazakhstan pet food plant in Konayev, Almaty region, with completion targeted by 31 December 2030.
- The project is expected to create 200 jobs, with at least 85% of positions reserved for Kazakh citizens.
- The new facility will expand domestic production alongside existing sites in Almaty, Akmola, Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions.
