Faber-Castell Cosmetics will invest $9 million to locate is first North American manufacturing facility in Elgin, IL, where it will create 50 new jobs. The German company has leased a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that will be dedicated to producing cosmetic pencils for the North American market. The announcement comes after Governor Bruce Rauner visited with the company in Stein, Germany in late spring.
“I am proud to announce this project during the 40th year of Faber-Castell Cosmetics,” said company President Countess Mary von Faber-Castell. “The U.S. facility will become Faber-Castell Cosmetics’ beta factory with exceptional, industry-standard processes and systems, in addition to offering U.S. customers the same speed-to-market and convenience now enjoyed by Europe and Brazil.”
“It is an honor to welcome Faber-Castell to the Illinois manufacturing family,” said Gov. Rauner. “Faber-Castell has a remarkable legacy in Germany, and I am proud that they have chosen Illinois to be the next phase in their journey. We look forward to working with them and helping them thrive in Elgin.”
During his April 2018 trade mission to Poland and Germany, the Governor met with leaders of Faber-Castell at their world headquarters in Stein, Germany. The company, best known for making pens, pencils and art supplies, dates back to 1761 and does business with more than 100 countries. The cosmetic division, Faber-Castell Cosmetics, is currently celebrating its 40th year anniversary as a world-recognized private label cosmetic manufacturer, focusing on color cosmetics and nail care.
Intersect Illinois coordinated the April trade mission to enhance the state’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy. During the mission, the 22-member delegation visited with 16 companies and attended one of the world’s largest trade fairs, Hannover Messe.
“Growing our foreign direct investment is essential to improving our economy and maximizing our potential,” said Mark Peterson, President and CEO of Intersect Illinois. “Germany remains one of our greatest FDI partners, and the Faber-Castell facility is the next chapter in our rich and shared economic history with German manufacturing here in Illinois.”
“Economic development is a collaborative effort – it takes time, effort and strong relationships to make projects like this a reality,” said Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce Sean McCarthy. “We have worked closely with Faber-Castell, both in Illinois and in Germany, as well as partners like former Illinois Senator Karen McConnaughay, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the City of Elgin, and Harper College, to solidify this deal for Illinois.”
The company chose to announce its expansion at the MakeUp conference in New York, an industry-wide event that has more than 110 formula, accessories and packaging industry exhibitors.
“Adding a North American facility is a remarkable milestone for our company,” said Dr. Christina Zech, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Cosmetics. “Illinois now joins Brazil and Germany on our list of production sites. The strategic location in between the coasts along with the exceptional workforce Illinois boasts made it a natural choice for our next facility.”
“Faber-Castell is a phenomenal global company with roots going back three centuries,” added Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Vice President & COO Mark Denzler. “It was fascinating to learn about their history and vision for the future during the Governor’s trade mission and we’re excited that Illinois will host their first American facility.”
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