Mars Breaks Ground on Global Research and Development Hub in Chicago

Mars Wrigley broke ground on a new, best-in-class, global research and development hub adjacent to the company’s existing Global Innovation Center in Chicago.

The multimillion-dollar investment will make Chicago home to the company’s largest innovation hub in the world, creating a workplace that will position Mars Wrigley to drive category-leading innovations for the company’s iconic global snacks and treats brands such as M&M’S, SNICKERS, TWIX, and more. The new facility will incorporate a test kitchen for developing new products, state-of-the-art pilot lines, and an area for breakthrough technology development.

“Mars has a long history here in Chicago, and we’re proud to continue our legacy of innovation in the Chicagoland area by breaking ground on our best-in-class global research and development hub for Mars Wrigley,” said Chris Rowe, Global Vice President of Research and Development. “As a leader in snacking and treating, we look forward to Chicago being the center of exciting, consumer-driven innovations that span the globe.”

The investment will bring about thirty 30 additional jobs to the Mars Wrigley Global Innovation Center, with jobs on the Mars Goose Island campus nearing 1,000. The project is slated to be complete by summer 2023.