Mars Food Opens North American HQ In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Mars Food is opening its new North American headquarters in Chicago, making it the fourth Mars office in the Goose Island neighborhood. The company said the opening will bring 75 jobs to the city, half of which will be hired from Chicago. The headquarters opened Thursday on West Blackhawk Street at North Cherry Avenue.

“Moving the Mars Food North America headquarters to Chicago enables our long-term growth objectives by bringing us closer to our factories, our customers and other parts of our business,” said Jarek Swigulski, regional president of Mars Food North America in a statement. “We are excited to join the long-standing relationship and community involvement that Mars has already established in Chicago.”

A ribbon cutting was held for the new headquarters on Goose Island Thursday. Representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce attended, along with Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.

“Mars is a great corporate partner, and its international reach and importance are a testament to Chicago’s position at the forefront of the global food industry,” Emanuel said in a statement. “The entire city of Chicago welcomes Mars Food and looks forward to watching them continue to grow and thrive for years to come.”

Mars Food's world headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.

The relocation of its North American headquarters from Los Angeles to Chicago comes at a time when Mars Food is growing its existing portfolio, which includes the more than 70-year-old, billion-dollar Uncle Ben's brand and the organic Seeds of Change brand.

Mars Food recently announced it intends to acquire Preferred Brands International, a manufacturer of Indian and Asian food products, with the plan of expanding its vegetarian products in North America. Mars Food said it's goal is to become a "model business" in the areas of health, nutrition and sustainability.

Image courtesy of Mars Food