Candy and snack food behemoth Mars Wrigley will be shrinking its North Jersey presence with the elimination of 307 jobs from its U.S. headquarters in Newark by the end of October, according to a WARN notice filed with the state of New Jersey.
With a goal of expanding its global headquarters in Chicago, the company will consolidate its corporate functions to the Midwest. A planned 100 million dollar expansion is in the works for the Illinois nucleus, including the addition of over 600 jobs.
In North Jersey, Mars continues to invest in Hackettstown operations, which provide a key source of employment — and a colorful claim-to-fame — for many Warren County residents.
By the end of 2027, the Newark Hub will close permanently.
An iconic candy with New Jersey roots
In the early half of the 20th century, Mars’ signature M&M’s were invented in New Jersey — Newark specifically.
Seeking to recreate, and improve upon, a sugar shell-encased chocolate candy he saw British soldiers eating during the Spanish Civil War, inventor Forrest Mars Sr. was determined to bring morsels that would “melt in your mouth, not your hands,” to American troops.
Following their 1941 launch, the candies were sold exclusively to the U.S. Army.
By the end of World War II, the morsels became widely available, and, in 1953, the Peanut M&M (also invented in Newark) joined the company’s growing lineup.
In 1958, Mars’ expanding chocolate catalog led the team to move M&M production to its current Hackettstown location, while corporate affairs continued in Newark (the city remained its U.S. headquarters).
The upcoming shift to Chicago — the international center — represents the end of an era; as the colorful treats depart the Brick City for the first time since their inception.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: M&M candy maker Mars Wrigley to leave Newark, cutting 307 jobs
