Mars Wrigley, the iconic candymaker known for brands such as M&M's, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, and Skittles, announced it will lay off hundreds of workers as it relocates its US headquarters from Newark, New Jersey, to an expanded facility in Chicago. According to a WARN filing submitted to the state of New Jersey, the company will eliminate 307 jobs at its Newark headquarters by mid-October, effectively ending its corporate presence in the city [1].
The move follows Mars Wrigley's $100 million investment to expand its Chicago footprint, where its global headquarters is now located. Despite the relocation of corporate operations, Mars Wrigley will continue to operate its manufacturing facility in Hackettstown, New Jersey [1].
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) expressed concern over the departure, with CEO Michele Siekerka calling it another warning sign for the state's business climate. Siekerka emphasized the need for immediate action to retain large employers, noting that New Jersey has lost over 9,700 jobs through WARN notices in 2024 alone, amid other high-profile corporate exits [1].
Mars Inc.'s recent growth in Chicago follows its acquisition of Wrigley in 2008 and the 2023 acquisition of Kellanova, a Chicago-based snack food maker. The trend of corporate departures from New Jersey was highlighted by Samsung's recent announcement to move its headquarters to Texas and ExxonMobil's shareholder vote to switch its state of incorporation to Texas after 144 years in New Jersey [1].
CONCLUSION
Mars Wrigley's decision to relocate its US headquarters and lay off 307 workers marks another significant corporate exit from New Jersey, raising concerns about the state's business environment. The move underscores a broader trend of major companies shifting operations out of New Jersey, with potential implications for the state's job market and economic outlook.