Kane County Reporter

A $9 million Faber-Castell Cosmetics manufacturing plant that produces high-end women's makeup is slated for development in Illinois and is projected to create at least 50 full-time jobs.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and the German-based company announced plans for Faber-Castell to locate its first North American plant in Illinois, after Rauner visited the company’s headquarters.

“It is an honor to welcome Faber-Castell to the Illinois manufacturing family,” Rauner said in a statement. “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.”  

The plant will focus on creating cosmetic pencils for North American consumers. Faber-Castell, a privately held cosmetics company, is widely known for its makeup, which includes cosmetic pencils, lipstick, eyeliner and nail care. It’s marking its 40th anniversary.

“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,” Faber-Castell President Countess Mary von Faber-Castell said in the statement.

Rauner met with Faber-Castell leadership in April during a trip to Stein, Germany.  

“Adding a North American facility is a remarkable milestone for our company,” said Christina Zech, managing director of Faber-Castell. “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.”

Sean McCarthy, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce, praised the collaboration that led to Faber-Castell's decision to open a plant in the state.

“Economic development is a collaborative effort — it takes time, effort and strong relationships to make projects like this a reality,” he said.