Mars Wrigley Chooses New Jersey Over Chicago For U.S. HQ

CHICAGO, IL — Mars Wrigley Confectionary has chosen New Jersey, not Chicago, for its new U.S. headquarters. The decision is expected to shift more than 200 jobs from Chicago to Newark and Hackettstown, N.J. by 2020. The company will keep its global headquarters in Chicago.

The decision will bring about 1,500 jobs to New Jersey within the next four years. Mars Wrigley, one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate, chewing gum, mints and fruity confections, was offered a $31 million tax break in New Jersey.

"Mars is proud to have a strong legacy and future across both New Jersey and Illinois. Expanding in New Jersey will enable the continued growth of our U.S. business. We are fully committed to working with all of our Associates to support them through this transition," Berta de Pablos Barbier, president of Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S., said in an emailed media release.

The company said operating a new office in Newark is an opportunity for Mars to return to its roots. More than 75 years ago Mars opened its doors in Newark, when M&M's were first created in 1941 as military rations during World War II.

Mars currently has more than five factories and 2,400 employees in Illinois, and five Chicago offices.

"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the company, across its many business lines, to continue to increase its presence in Chicago," city spokesperson Grant Klinzman said in an emailed statement.

Illinois has not released information on how much it offered the company in tax credits to choose Chicago for its U.S. headquarters.

In October of 2016, Mars Inc. announced it was creating Mars Wrigley Confectionery by consolidating two units of the corporation. The new subsidiary is responsible for Snickers, M&M's, Doublemint gum, Altoids, Lifesavers, Skittles and Starburst.

Brian Kersey/Associated Press