The basics:
- Mars to eliminate 307 jobs at Newark headquarters
- Corporate functions consolidating in Chicago
- Newark Market Hub will close by December 2027
- Mars says it will continue investment in Hackettstown operations
Mars Wrigley is winding down its U.S. headquarters in Newark as part of a broader effort to consolidate key corporate functions in Chicago, the company said.
In a July 2026 filing with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the candy and snack giant reported it will eliminate 307 positions at its Brick City base by mid-October.
The planned downsizing comes a few months after Mars announced a $100 million expansion of its global snacking headquarters in Chicago. The changes are expected to add more than 600 jobs to the region, according to the company.
In a statement to NJBIZ, a spokesperson said, “Following a comprehensive review of our Mars Snacking North American office footprint, we will be sun-setting the Newark Market Hub for Mars Snacking Associates by December 2027, consistent with our previously communicated move to Chicago. 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.
“We recognize the impact this will have on our Associates in Newark and are committed to supporting them through this transition, including providing re-location opportunities and support where appropriate,” they said.
Still ‘committed to the state’
After getting its start in Newark during World War II, the company stayed put until 1958, when it moved operations to Hackettstown.
Mars came back to its Newark roots six years ago, thanks to a 10-year, $31.5 million tax credit through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. It took space at Ironside Newark, a mixed-use office complex at 110 Edison Place owned by locally based Edison Properties. The company also received a separate $1.15 million tax credit to renovate and expand its offices and factory in Hackettstown.
Along with about 500 associates in Newark, Mars employs around 1,000 workers in Hackettstown, the company has said.
After noting Mars’ “rich history in New Jersey,” a company spokesperson said, “We remain committed to the state and will continue to invest in our operations, including our ongoing innovation and manufacturing work in Hackettstown.”
They went on to say, “We remain focused on serving our customers and consumers without disruption during this transition.”
Media representatives for the NJEDA and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Brand-building
With approximately $55 billion in annual sales, Mars’ portfolio spans snacking, food and pet care products, including brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Skittles, Ben’s Original, Dove, Extra, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas and Cesar.
The family-owned corporation also operates a large pet health business that includes veterinary hospitals and specialty care providers such as Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl, VCA and AniCura.
Last year, Mars completed its roughly $36 billion acquisition of snack maker Kellanova. As part of the mega deal, Mars added brands like Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts to its lineup.
Exit strategy
Mars’ announcement comes on the heels of other major corporate shifts away from the state, including Samsung Electronics America’s planned move of its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Texas. ExxonMobil also recently decided to move its state of incorporation from New Jersey to Texas.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka said in a statement, “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.”
Siekerka continued, “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.”
‘Entirely avoidable’
Earlier this month, CNBC’s Top States for Business rankings placed New Jersey dead last in the U.S. for business friendliness.
Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, shared, “The news that Mars Wrigley is closing up shop and eliminating more than 300 jobs in Newark is frustrating because of how entirely avoidable this, and every other announcement like this, is. For the families affected, this isn’t about corporate headlines, it’s about wondering how they’ll pay the mortgage, whether they’ll have to find another job, or even uproot their family to earn a living somewhere else.
“And it doesn’t stop with those workers,” he continued. “It’s the local restaurants and small businesses they supported, the trade workers who worked at the facility, and countless others who will feel the undefined economic impact.
“Unfortunately, more and more New Jerseyans are being forced to ask those same questions as companies decide to invest in other states instead of ours,” Bucco said.
The senator went on, “Trenton Democrats have spent years assuming businesses and taxpayers would keep footing the bill for their endless taxes and spending while repeatedly ignoring commonsense Republican proposals that would make New Jersey more competitive. Now we’re seeing the consequences. New Jersey has everything it needs to succeed, but until we make it more affordable to live, work, and do business here, more employers will leave and more families will be left wondering if they’re next.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:31 p.m. July 18, 2026, with statements from NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka and Sen. Anthony Bucco.
The post Mars Wrigley leaving Newark, cutting 307 jobs (updated) appeared first on NJBIZ.
