Mars Wrigley Plots New R&D Hub in Chicago

Candy and snacks manufacturer Mars Wrigley announced plans Thursday to open a new Global Innovation Center in Chicago that will become its largest research and development hub. The multimillion-dollar facility at Mars’ existing campus on Goose Island will develop new snacks and treats and support the firm’s global brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Twix.

"Mars has made Chicago home to innovation for nearly 100 years, producing some of the world's most beloved and iconic snacks and treats," Chris Rowe, global vice president of research and development for Mars Wrigley, said in a release. "Creating new jobs and a world-class, multimillion- dollar research and development hub demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Chicagoland area and accelerates our future for innovation. This facility brings exciting new capabilities and enhances the vibrant innovation culture Mars has on Goose Island." 

About 30 new jobs will be created with the opening of the innovation center, increasing the headcount at Mars’ Goose Island complex to about 1,000. Work is planned to commence this summer and reach completion about a year later.

“On behalf of Chicago's business community, we congratulate Mars on its expansion in Chicago, creating both new jobs and the largest innovation center in Mars Wrigley's global footprint," said Michael Fassnacht, president and CEO, World Business Chicago and chief marketing officer for the City of Chicago, in a statement. "It's a proud moment for our city to see one of its longest running Chicago-based companies realize transformative change through tech and innovation.”

Mars Wrigley has a significant presence in the Chicagoland area, including an ice cream plant in Burr Ridge and candy factories in Chicago and Yorkville. Earlier this year, the company kicked off a $175 million project at its Topeka, KS plant to add new production lines for candy bars and packaging equipment.