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

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced that the company is creating 600 new jobs to expand its global headquarters in Chicago. This includes adding Mars Snacking’s North America Region, Accelerator Division, and Global Functions to its global headquarters operation in Chicago. This investment signals the company’s long-term commitment to Chicago, creating new jobs and adding to Illinois’ reputation as a global leader in the snacking industry. Chicago will continue to serve as a central hub to connect Mars Snacking teams, accelerate innovation 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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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.”

“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, 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. 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.”

“Illinois is a top destination for businesses that are looking to expand and operate on the next level—we’re excited to see what's next for Mars Snacking in Chicago,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’re committed to making sure every Illinoisans can benefit from business expansion in the state. This is a direct reflection of the investments we’ve been making for years in our world-class workforce and our business community.”

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 long-standing commitment to the Chicago region, where the company supports more than 4,000 Mars Snacking jobs, produces more than 20 iconic brands and anchors the company’s Global Innovation Center – a groundbreaking R&D hub.

“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). “Through programs like the EDGE tax incentive Illinois remains the best place to live, work, and do business – increasing economic opportunity and creating good-paying careers that support long-term economic growth.”

Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on key growth industries, including food processing. With a top workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and a leading manufacturing reputation globally, Illinois continues to be a key destination for companies looking to expand or locate. As a global leader in food manufacturing, Mars Incorporated’s investment further strengthens Illinois’ position in this sector. ​

Site Selection Magazine recently ranked Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocations for the fourth year in a row; top-ranked infrastructure, access to supply chains, world-class research institutions, and a qualified workforce make it a premier destination to grow or locate businesses.

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. A link to the full agreement can be found here. In 2025, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $2.6 billion in investments in communities across Illinois.

Mars Snacking Foundation Creates Better Community Fund

The Mars Snacking Foundation’s Better Community Fund, was also announced today, which is part of Mars Snacking’s effort to recognize and support the communities across the United States that have contributed to the company’s success. The Better Community Fund will distribute more than $3.6 million in grants in 2026 to more than 30 projects. Through the Mars Snacking Foundation’s signature Community Connection grant program, it has awarded more than $3 million to Chicago community-based organizations since its pilot in 2019. Grants aim to strengthen social connection and transform community spaces, providing a new or restored community asset that will offer ongoing benefit to residents in under-resourced communities.

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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 of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Mars Snacking:

Grainne O’Brien
​Mars, Incorporated

Grainne.OBrien@kellanova.com ​
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Christi O’Brien
​Mars, Incorporated

christi.obrien@effem.com
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