Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S., part of the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections, announced today its intent to base its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey, utilising existing offices in Hackettstown, NJ, as well as a new location in Newark, NJ. Mars Wrigley Confectionery’s global headquarters will continue to be based in Chicago while its U.S. headquarters will transition to New Jersey by July 2020.
“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,” said Berta de Pablos Barbier, President, Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S.
Mars will continue to have a significant footprint employing thousands of Associates across Chicago and in Illinois, including Mars Wrigley Confectionery’s global headquarters and Mars Food’s U.S. headquarters, in addition to several manufacturing sites.
Opening 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® candies were first created in 1941 as military rations during World War II. The company also has deep roots and operations in Hackettstown since moving to the community in 1958 to accommodate growth.
By July 2020, there will be approximately 500 Associates working in Newark and approximately 1,000 Associates in Hackettstown. In addition to investment in a new office in Newark, Mars will continue to invest in its office and manufacturing facility in Hackettstown.
“Over the past year, we’ve been focused on creating Mars Wrigley Confectionery in the U.S. to better serve our customers, address consumer trends and accelerate growth opportunities in the vibrant U.S. confectionery category,” added de Pablos Barbier. “Creating U.S. offices in New Jersey will allow us to keep driving growth, while also positioning us to retain and attract the future talent needed for our continued success.”
In October 2016, Mars announced its plans to create Mars Wrigley Confectionery. The segment, which brings together the successful century-long heritages of Mars Chocolate and Wrigley, Mars Wrigley Confectionery includes some of the world’s best loved brands in chocolate (SNICKERS®, M&M’S®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MALTESERS®, TWIX®), gum and mints (DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, ALTOIDS®, LIFESAVERS®), and fruity confections (SKITTLES®, STARBURST®).
