Mars, one of the world’s best-known candy makers, plans to close its Newark, New Jersey office and move its Mars Snacking North American headquarters operations to Chicago, a decision that will affect hundreds of employees.
The company said the transition will take place by December 2027 as part of a broader effort to reorganize its office footprint across North America. The move marks another major corporate departure from New Jersey, where business leaders have raised concerns about companies relocating operations outside the state.
Mars Moves Snacking Operations To Chicago After Office Review
According to Fox 13 News, Mars announced that it will end operations at the Newark Market Hub as part of a previously communicated plan to move its Mars Snacking North American office presence to Chicago.
The company said the change follows a detailed evaluation of its locations and future business needs.
“Following a comprehensive review of our Mars Snacking North American office footprint, we will be sunsetting the Newark Market Hub for Mars Snacking Associates by December 2027, consistent with our previously communicated move to Chicago,” Mars said in a statement.
“This decision is part of our broader strategy to position Mars Snacking for long-term growth and strengthen our operations in key locations across North America.”
The relocation reflects a wider trend among large corporations that are consolidating offices and focusing resources in fewer strategic locations.
Mars operates several major brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, and Twix, making its corporate decisions closely watched by employees, local officials, and business groups.
The Newark office closure does not represent an end to Mars’ presence in the United States, but it does signal a significant shift in where the company’s snacking leadership teams will be based.
Chicago has become an increasingly important corporate center, attracting companies looking to establish major operations in a large business market with access to talent and infrastructure.
Mars Wrigley signaled it will lay off hundreds of workers as it relocates its headquarters from Newark, New Jersey, to an expanded facility in Chicago. https://t.co/F2lWfV2Nw2
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) July 21, 2026
New Jersey Business Leaders Warn About Corporate Departures
The Mars announcement has triggered concerns among New Jersey business advocates who say the state needs to address conditions that may encourage companies to relocate.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) CEO Michele Siekerka criticized the departure and called for action to retain major employers.
“On a summer Friday when people should be getting excited about the weekend ahead, we are instead hit with the news of another unfortunate exodus of a job creator in New Jersey,” said NJBIA CEO Michele Siekerka.
Siekerka argued that the loss of another major company location highlights broader economic challenges facing the state.
“We need to wrap our arms around this and do something now that sends a message to our largest employers that things are going to change so we can stop this disturbing trend,” Siekerka added.
Business groups in New Jersey have previously pointed to issues such as operating costs, taxes, and competition from other states as factors influencing corporate location decisions.
The Mars move adds to those discussions as state officials continue efforts to maintain New Jersey’s position as a center for major businesses.
For employees affected by the transition, the timeline until December 2027 provides a longer adjustment period compared with sudden office closures.
Mars has not provided full details about employee relocation options, staffing changes, or how many positions will move to Chicago.
A New Direction For Mars As Corporate Footprints Change
The planned Newark closure reflects a changing approach among global companies that are reassessing where teams work and how offices support business goals.
For Mars Snacking, the Chicago move is part of a strategy focused on bringing key teams together in a location the company believes will support future operations.
The company continues to expand and manage a global portfolio of consumer brands while adapting its internal structure to new business priorities.
Corporate relocations often create mixed effects for communities, bringing new investment opportunities in some regions while creating challenges for areas losing major employers.
Newark has hosted Mars operations for years, making the announcement a notable moment for the local business landscape.
The transition period gives Mars time to manage the change while employees and regional leaders prepare for the impact.
As the company moves forward with the Chicago relocation, the decision will remain part of a larger conversation about how businesses choose their future headquarters locations across the United States.
