Mars To Move HQ To NJ, 1,500 New Jobs Expected

A major company says it plans to locate its United State headquarters in New Jersey, a move that will bring 1,500 jobs to the state within the next four years.

Candy and gum manufacturer Mars Wrigley announced this week its plans to base its the headquarters in New Jersey, utilizing existing offices in Hackettstown as well as a new location in Newark, according to the company.

Mars Wrigley, one of the largest manufacturera of chocolate, chewing gum, mints and fruity confections, will continue to base its global headquarters in Chicago while it transitions to New Jersey by July 2020, according to an announcement from the company.

“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 the release.

The company also apparently got a bit of a financial incentive to move jobs to New Jersey.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority recently offered the company a $31 million tax break to help it expand in New Jersey, reports say. Last month, Mars Wrigley was approved for an annual tax credit package worth $3.15 million for a 10-year term if it makes a $42 million capital investment in a leased office complex about a half-mile from Newark Penn Station, NJ.com reported.

Read more here: New Jersey Tries To Lure Mars Wrigley From Chicago With Tax Break

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.

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, the company estimates.

"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," de Pablos Barbier said.

Mars will continue to employ 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.

Mars Wrigley joins a growing list of companies that have announcing job hirings in New Jersey. They include:

• LOCKHEED MARTIN: Earlier this year, the defense contractor announced plans to add 300 jobs in South Jersey. Those jobs primarily involve manufacturing, engineering and business development at the company's Moorestown and Camden locations. Visit searchlockheedmartinjobs.com to find those jobs. Read more here...
• HOME DEPOT: The company is hiring 1,650 part-time workers in New Jersey. You can search for some of these jobs and find how to apply to them by clicking here.
• AMAZON: The company plans to hire up to 2,500 people in New Jersey over the next 6 months as part of a nationwide expansion of 100,000 jobs.

Watch Now: Mars Wrigley Bringing 1,500 New Jobs With Move To NJ

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