Governor JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced that the company will create 600 new jobs as part of the expansion of its global headquarters in Chicago. This includes the addition of Mars Snacking’s North America Region, Accelerator Division, and Global Functions to its operations in the city.
The investment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Chicago, generating new job opportunities and strengthening Illinois’s reputation as a global leader in the snacking industry. Chicago will continue to serve as a central hub for connecting teams, accelerating innovation, and supporting long-term business growth.
“Illinois continues to demonstrate that it is the right place for companies looking to grow and compete on a global level,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Mars Snacking’s decision to expand its presence in Chicago reflects the strength of our state’s workforce, infrastructure, and business environment. We are proud that a company with such an iconic portfolio is continuing its story here, creating opportunities for Illinois families and strengthening our economy.”
“Chicago has long been a hub for our business, and now it is our official home for the North America region and our Accelerator Division, firmly establishing our shared legacy and future,” said Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking. “The Chicago area offers the very best for Mars Snacking: a vibrant urban environment, strong communities, and access to world-class talent. We are proud to deepen our roots here, grow the business, and continue our long-standing commitment to community and corporate responsibility.”
“Illinois is a premier destination for companies looking to expand and operate at the next level; we are excited to see what comes next for Mars Snacking in Chicago,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “We are committed to ensuring that all Illinoisans benefit from business expansion within the state. This directly reflects the investments we have made over the years in our world-class workforce and business community.”
Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional headquarters in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for over 1,000 employees. The Accelerator Division will also establish a new global headquarters in downtown Chicago, occupying Kellanova’s former global and North American headquarters. Together, these initiatives reinforce Mars Snacking’s historic commitment to the Chicago region, where the company employs more than 4,000 people, produces over 20 iconic brands, and houses its Global Innovation Center—a state-of-the-art research and development hub.
“Mars Snacking’s decision to invest in and expand its operations in Illinois is a testament to everything our state has to offer,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “Through programs like the EDGE tax incentive, Illinois remains the best place to live, work, and do business, generating economic opportunities and well-paying jobs that support long-term growth.”
Guided by the Illinois Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build a foundation for long-term success by focusing on key industries, including the food industry. With a highly skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and a global reputation for manufacturing, Illinois remains a strategic destination for companies seeking to expand. As a global leader in food manufacturing, Mars Incorporated’s investment further reinforces the state’s position in this sector.
The Site Selection magazine recently ranked Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocation for the fourth consecutive year. World-class infrastructure, access to supply chains, world-class research institutions, and a skilled workforce make Illinois a premier location for business growth.
As part of the EDGE (Economic Development for a Growing Economy) agreement with the state, Mars Snacking has committed to investing $100 million and creating 602 new full-time jobs. In 2025, companies participating in the EDGE program committed over $2.6 billion in investments across communities throughout Illinois.
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Mars Snacking Foundation Establishes the Better Community Fund
The Mars Snacking Foundation also announced the launch of the Better Community Fund, focused on supporting communities in the United States that have contributed to the company’s success. The fund will distribute more than $3.6 million in grants in 2026 to over 30 projects. Since its pilot in 2019, the Community Connection grant program has awarded more than $3 million to community organizations in Chicago. These grants seek to strengthen social connections and transform community spaces, creating lasting benefits for residents in resource-limited areas.
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is guided by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a family-owned business with over $65 billion in annual revenue, its diverse and expanding portfolio includes leading products in pet care, veterinary services, and high-quality food and snacks enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.
The company produces some of the most globally recognized brands, including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Its global network of veterinary services includes BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, and ANICURA™, while ANTECH® leads in veterinary diagnostics.
Mars operates under its Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—which guide its more than 170,000 Associates to contribute every day to a better world for people, pets, and the planet.
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