Mars Snacking to Add 600 Jobs in Chicago Expansion

Maker of M&M's to invest $100 million in global headquarters and regional offices.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mars Snacking, a division of Virginia-based Mars, announced plans to invest $100 million to expand its global headquarters in Chicago and create more than 600 new jobs. The company will receive about $43 million in tax incentives from the state as part of the expansion.

Why it matters

The expansion solidifies Chicago as a hub for Mars Snacking, maker of iconic brands like M&M's, Snickers, Pringles, and Pop-Tarts. The investment and new jobs will provide a boost to the local economy and further establish the city as a destination for major food and snack companies.

The details

As part of the expansion, Mars Snacking will add its North American regional office at Fulton Labs and open a new global office for its accelerator division at the former headquarters of recently acquired Kellanova in River North. The $100 million investment will cover project costs such as site renovations, building purchases, and research and development.

  • Mars Snacking finalized its acquisition of Chicago-based Kellanova in December 2025.
  • The company has until December 27, 2027, to hire the 602 new employees.

The players

Mars Snacking

A division of Virginia-based Mars that produces popular snack brands like M&M's, Snickers, Pringles, and Pop-Tarts.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois, who announced the expansion deal with Mars Snacking.

Andrew Clarke

The global president of Mars Snacking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Andrew Clarke, Global President, Mars Snacking

“Illinois continues to prove that it's the right place for companies that want to grow and compete globally. Mars Snacking's decision to expand its footprint in Chicago reflects the strength of our state's workforce, infrastructure and business environment.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

What’s next

Mars Snacking has until December 27, 2027, to hire the 602 new employees in order to receive the full tax incentives from the state.

The takeaway

Mars Snacking's major investment and expansion in Chicago solidifies the city's status as a hub for the food and snack industry, attracting iconic brands and providing a boost to the local economy through hundreds of new high-quality jobs.