Mars Newark closure – overview
- Mars to close Newark headquarters, affecting 307 employees, by 2027
- Corporate functions will relocate to Chicago under growth strategy
- Hackettstown manufacturing and innovation operations will continue unchanged
- Consolidation aims to improve efficiency and accelerate business decisions
- Move reflects confectionery focus on innovation investment and scale
Mars, Inc. has announced the closure of its Newark headquarters, resulting in the loss of 307 jobs.
The shutdown marks the end of a relationship between “Brick City” and the confectionery giant, which dates back to the 1940s, and includes the invention of its most iconic brand – M&M’s.
“Following a comprehensive review of our Mars Snacking North American office footprint, we will be sunsetting the Newark Market Hub for Mars Snacking Associates by December 2027,” the company said in a statement.
The restructuring forms part of a broader strategy to “position Mars Snacking for long-term growth” and follows on from the expansion of the global snacking headquarters in Chicago.
Despite the Newark closure, Mars says it remains committed to New Jersey, with operations continuing at the manufacturing and innovation facility in Hackettstown.
Industry impact
The closure of the Newark offices reflects a broader industry shift towards consolidation of corporate functions into larger regional hubs.
By concentrating leadership, marketing and administrative teams in Chicago, Mars is targeting greater efficiency and faster decision-making, as competition intensifies across the global snacking sector.
The move also highlights the growing importance of innovation and scale in confectionery. Rather than investing in multiple corporate locations, manufacturers are directing resources towards product development, consumer insights and data-driven operations to support growth.
As the confectionery industry evolves, Mars is betting that a more focused organisational structure will help it innovate faster, operate more efficiently and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive global snacking market.
