Mars Chocolate will be able to test the scalability of prototypes developed in its kitchens at a new £6m R&D centre opened in Slough this week.

The centre has a pilot production line on which the 100-strong R&D team will be able to test the commercial feasibility of ideas without having to use the factory lines.

It also brings R&D staff and facilities on to one site where they can work more closely with other departments to develop new products and technologies.