Gov. Pritzker and Mars Snacking Announce 600 New Jobs, Expansion of Global Headquarters in Chicago

Event Date: March 25, 2026
News Release Date: March 25, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced today that the company will add 600 new jobs as part of a major expansion of its global headquarters operations in Chicago. The move consolidates the company’s North America Region, Accelerator Division, and Global Functions into the city, positioning Chicago as a central hub for innovation and long-term growth.

The expansion reinforces Mars Snacking’s deepening commitment to Illinois, where the company already supports more than 4,000 jobs, produces over 20 iconic brands, and operates its Global Innovation Center—a leading research and development facility. The announcement comes as global consumer goods companies increasingly consolidate operations in major urban innovation hubs, and Chicago’s Fulton Market district has emerged as a premier destination for food and technology companies seeking access to talent, research institutions, and supply chain infrastructure.

Strategic Growth in Fulton Market and Downtown Chicago

Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for over 1,000 associates. The Accelerator Division will establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters. Together, these locations are intended to foster collaboration, accelerate product innovation, and support the company’s long-term business strategy. The move also consolidates operations following Mars’ acquisition of Kellanova in 2024, integrating former Kellogg’s snack brands and real estate into its growth strategy.

“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,” said Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking. “The Chicagoland area offers the best of all worlds for Mars Snacking—a vibrant urban environment, strong communities, and access to world-class talent.”

State Support and Economic Impact

The expansion is supported by an agreement under Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax incentive program. Mars Snacking has committed to a $100 million investment and the creation of 602 new full-time jobs. In 2025, companies participating in the EDGE program committed more than $2.6 billion in investments across Illinois. The addition of these jobs—many in high-skilled roles such as research and development, marketing, and digital commerce—is expected to contribute to Chicago’s commercial real estate recovery and support local businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Governor Pritzker highlighted the state’s broader economic momentum: “Illinois continues to prove that it’s the right place for companies that want to grow and compete globally. Mars Snacking’s decision to expand its footprint in Chicago reflects the strength of our state’s workforce, infrastructure, and business environment.”

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton added that the expansion reflects years of investment in Illinois’ workforce and business community, emphasizing that the state is committed to ensuring that economic growth benefits all residents.

Illinois’ Growing Reputation in Food and Manufacturing

The announcement comes as Illinois continues to rank among the top states for corporate relocation and expansion. For the fourth consecutive year, Site Selection Magazine ranked Illinois #2 in the nation for corporate expansion and relocations, citing the state’s top-ranked infrastructure, supply chain access, research institutions, and skilled workforce.

Food processing and manufacturing are key sectors under Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan. With major players like Mars, Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Ferrara already operating in the region, the state has solidified its position as a national hub for the snacking and food industry.

Community Investment: Mars Snacking Foundation’s Better Community Fund

Alongside the jobs and headquarters expansion, Mars Snacking announced the launch of the Better Community Fund through the Mars Snacking Foundation. The fund will distribute more than $3.6 million in 2026 to over 30 community-based projects across the United States. Since 2019, the foundation’s Community Connection grant program has awarded more than $3 million to Chicago-area organizations, focusing on strengthening social connections and revitalizing under-resourced community spaces.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio includes leading pet care products and veterinary services, as well as quality snacking and food products. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to help create a better world for people, pets, and the planet.

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