Mars Wrigley to cut 307 jobs as headquarters relocates to Chicago
Mars Wrigley will eliminate 307 jobs as it relocates its headquarters to Chicago while maintaining manufacturing operations and investments in New Jersey.
USA – Mars Wrigley has announced plans to lay off 307 employees as it relocates its headquarters from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, ending its corporate presence in Newark while maintaining manufacturing operations at its Hackettstown facility.
The move aligns with Mars Inc.’s broader expansion strategy following the consolidation of its global headquarters in Chicago after the acquisitions of Wrigley and Kellanova.
The company said the relocation will not affect production at its Hackettstown manufacturing plant, where it intends to continue investing in innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It also pledged to support employees impacted by the transition.
“We recognise the impact this will have on our associates in Newark and are committed to supporting them through this transition, including providing relocation opportunities and support where appropriate,” Mars said.
The announcement follows an earlier expansion initiative unveiled by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking, under which the company committed to expanding its global headquarters in Chicago and creating 600 new jobs.
At the time, Mars Snacking Global President Andrew Clarke said: “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.”
The relocation is part of a wider restructuring programme across the Mars business. Earlier this month, Mars-owned Nature’s Bakery announced plans to close its Hazelwood, Missouri manufacturing facility by September 2027, with production shifting to other sites and 345 jobs being eliminated in phases.
The company has also proposed closing a pet food factory in Germany, affecting about 110 employees, and announced plans last year to shut a Ben’s Original production facility in Belgium, placing around 80 roles at risk.
Despite the restructuring, Mars continues investing in manufacturing, including a £190 million programme at its Slough factory in the UK through 2028 to expand production, digital capabilities, sustainability initiatives and workforce development.
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