Mars Snacking to Add 600 Jobs, Expand Global Headquarters in Chicago (Chicago, IL) – Mars Snacking is expanding its global headquarters in Chicago and plans to create more than 600 new jobs, a move state leaders say reinforces Illinois’ standing as a hub for global food manufacturing and corporate growth.
Governor JB Pritzker joined company executives Wednesday to announce the expansion, which will bring Mars Snacking’s North America region, Accelerator Division, and additional global functions under its Chicago headquarters. The investment signals a long-term commitment to the city and is expected to strengthen Chicago’s role as a center for innovation and collaboration within the company.
“Illinois continues to prove that it’s the right place for companies that want to grow and compete globally,” Pritzker said, citing the state’s workforce, infrastructure, and business climate as key drivers behind the decision.
Mars Snacking Global President Andrew Clarke said the expansion formalizes Chicago as a central hub for the company’s future operations.
“Chicago has long been a hub for our business, and now it is our official home for our North America region and our Accelerator Division — firmly establishing our legacy and our future together,” Clarke said.
As part of the expansion, Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office in the Fulton Market district with capacity for more than 1,000 employees. The company’s Accelerator Division will also establish a global office in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova headquarters.
Mars Snacking already has a significant footprint in the region, supporting more than 4,000 local jobs, producing over 20 well-known brands, and operating a global innovation center focused on research and development.
The expansion is backed by a state Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, under which the company has committed to investing $100 million and creating 602 full-time jobs. State officials say such incentives help attract and retain major employers while boosting long-term economic growth.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said the project reflects years of investment in workforce development and business attraction.
“We’re committed to making sure every Illinoisan can benefit from business expansion in the state,” Stratton said.
In addition to the corporate expansion, the Mars Snacking Foundation announced the launch of its “Better Community Fund,” which will distribute more than $3.6 million in grants in 2026 to support over 30 community projects nationwide. The initiative builds on prior investments in Chicago neighborhoods, where the company has awarded more than $3 million to local organizations since 2019.
State officials pointed to Illinois’ recent recognition as a top destination for corporate expansion, including a No. 2 national ranking by Site Selection Magazine for the fourth consecutive year.
With the latest investment, leaders say Chicago will continue to play a pivotal role in Mars Snacking’s global strategy while creating hundreds of new jobs and expanding economic opportunities across the region.
Mars Snacking to Add 600 Jobs, Expand Global Headquarters in Chicago
