Mars invests $100M to expand Chicago headquarters

Mars plans to spend $100 million to expand its headquarters in Chicago, furthering the food manufacturer’s presence in snacking after its purchase of Pringles maker Kellanova, Just Food reports.

Mars said the Windy City will continue to serve as a central location for its snacking operations while allowing the company to accelerate innovation and support long-term growth. The expansion in Chicago, where more than 20 of its brands are produced, is expected to create 600 new jobs.

“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 of Mars Snacking, said in a statement.

Aided in part by tax incentives, Mars Snacking will also open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago and take over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.

The expansion comes as Mars integrates its recent $36 billion purchase of Kellanova, which closed in December and created a snacking behemoth with a portfolio including M&Ms, Snickers, Rice Krispies Treats and Pop-Tarts. The deal immediately gave Mars, best known for its confectionery offerings and gums, a deeper presence in salty snacks.

The headquarters expansion marks the second major Chicago investment for Mars in recent years. In 2024, it opened a $42 million research and development facility to drive snacking innovation.

Mars’ decision to expand its corporate operations comes as other food and beverage companies reduce their footprints to save money and improve the efficiency of their operations. During the last year, Hormel Foods, Treehouse Foods and Coca-Cola have announced plans to cut corporate jobs.