NEW: Mars, Inc. plans to expand headquarters in McLean

Mars, Inc., the company that owns both M&M’s and Pedigree Petfoods, is planning to expand its existing headquarters in McLean.

According to an application submitted to Fairfax County on March 30, the American multinational manufacturer of candy, pet food, and other food items says that its current corporate home no longer meets its needs.

Since it started calling McLean home in 1984, the company has seen the number of employees at its office grow from 55 to over 150, according to the application.

Mars purchased a neighboring parcel next door at 6867 Elm Street in July 2020. It plans to demolish the building on that parcel and expand the existing building at 6885 Elm Street.

According to the application, the company plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the building with a more modern look.

“The new Mars Building will also feature a myriad of green building features in keeping with the values of both Fairfax County and Mars,” the application states. “At the same time, the architecture will remain respectful of its surroundings and be a building of which all of McLean will be proud.”

The expansion would add a little under 50,000 square feet to the Mars headquarters.

Surface parking will be replaced with garage parking, accessed via Elm Street.

Two curb cuts on Elm Street will be narrowed and utilities on the street will move underground. An arrival plaza is also planned to serve visitors dropped off by Uber and Lyft.

The project is in early planning phases and has not yet been accepted for review by the county.