Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced that the company is creating 600 new jobs to expand its global headquarters in Chicago.
The expansion includes adding Mars Snacking’s North America Region, Accelerator Division and Global Functions to its global headquarters operation in Chicago. The Windy City will continue to serve as a central hub to connect Mars Snacking teams and support long-term business growth.
“Illinois continues to prove that it’s the right place for companies that want to grow and compete globally,” Pritzker said in a March press release. “Mars Snacking’s decision to expand its footprint in Chicago reflects the strength of our state’s workforce, infrastructure and business environment. We’re proud that a company with such an iconic portfolio is building on its history here, creating opportunity for Illinois families and strengthening our economy.”
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Mars Snacking global president Andrew Clarke said Chicago has been a longstanding business hub for the company. Mars Snacking is a confectionery and snacking division of Mars Inc. The brands include M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Starburst, Skittles and more.
“The Chicagoland area offers the best of all worlds for Mars Snacking – a vibrant urban environment, strong communities and access to world-class talent,” Clarke said. “We are proud to deepen our roots here, advance the Mars Snacking business, and continue our long-standing commitment to community engagement and responsible business.”
Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for more than 1,000 associates. The Accelerator division will also establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.
Together, these moves reinforce Mars Snacking’s commitment to the Chicago region, where the company supports more than 4,000 jobs, produces more than 20 brands and anchors the company’s Global Innovation Center.
As part of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with the state, Mars Snacking has committed to making a $100 million investment and creating 602 new full-time jobs. In 2025, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $2.6 billion in investments in communities across Illinois.
“Mars Snacking’s decision to invest and expand their operations in Illinois is a testament to all our state has to offer,” said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
