Mars Wrigley is packing up its corporate operations and leaving New Jersey for Chicago. The major candy producer signaled it will lay off hundreds of workers as it abandons its Newark headquarters. This exit deals another severe blow to the Garden State's struggling corporate economy.
The company submitted a WARN filing with New Jersey officials on Friday. This notice indicated it will eliminate 307 local jobs by mid-October. The sweeping layoffs will permanently end the company's corporate presence in the city of Newark.
Mars Wrigley is a highly profitable division of Mars Incorporated. Its massive brand portfolio includes iconic American candies like Snickers, Twix, M&M's, and Skittles. The company recently spent $100 million to expand its global headquarters in Chicago to accommodate this shift.
Pro-business advocates argue this departure is a glaring warning sign. The New Jersey Business & Industry Association warned that the state urgently needs to improve its economic climate. Heavy regulations and tax burdens often drive major job creators away from the region.
Candy giant Mars Wrigley signals massive layoffs as it relocates from NJ to Chicago https://t.co/PMt6Gfvyfx pic.twitter.com/8yu7KnG0bL
— New York Post (@nypost) July 20, 2026
"On a summer Friday when people should be getting excited about the weekend ahead, we are instead hit with the news of another unfortunate exodus of a job creator in New Jersey," said NJBIA CEO Michele Siekerka. "We need to wrap our arms around this and do something now that sends a message to our largest employers that things are going to change so we can stop this disturbing trend," Siekerka added.
Despite shifting corporate operations to the Midwest, Mars will keep some local footprint. The company plans to continue operating its manufacturing facility in Hackettstown, New Jersey. However, the corporate leadership is fully committing to the Chicago area.
"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, consistent with our previously communicated move to Chicago," Mars said in a statement. "This decision is part of our broader strategy to position Mars Snacking for long-term growth and strengthen our operations in key locations across North America."
Mars stated it will provide relocation opportunities and support to affected employees. The candy giant has aggressively grown its Midwestern footprint since acquiring Chicago-based Wrigley in 2008. It further expanded in the region after acquiring Kellanova just last year.
The Garden State continues to bleed corporate jobs at a rapid pace. The NJBIA noted that New Jersey has lost over 9,700 jobs through WARN notices this year alone. This disturbing trend highlights the ongoing struggles of states with hostile business environments.
Other major corporations are also fleeing New Jersey for business-friendly pastures. Samsung announced in June it would relocate its corporate headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Texas. Furthermore, ExxonMobil shareholders recently voted to move the energy giant's state of incorporation to Texas after 144 years in New Jersey.