Gov. Pritzker Announces $5 Million Investment in Combe’s Rantoul Expansion

RANTOUL – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Village of Rantoul, and Combe Incorporated announced new investments in Rantoul. Combe will invest $30 million to expand and retain its manufacturing operations in East Central Illinois, which is supported by a $5 million grant from the State of Illinois.

“Combe’s expansion is a great example of how the State of Illinois works with companies and communities to create jobs and opportunities for our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With more than a half-century of calling Illinois home, Combe’s long-term commitment speaks to why Illinois continues to bolster its reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.”

“Investing in Rantoul is not about capacity, but about durability,” said Keech Combe Shetty, Executive Chair of Combe Incorporated. “Our roots in Rantoul run deep, and we are incredibly grateful to our dedicated team here, and this commitment ensures that these jobs remain in the community that has supported us for over half a century. We are grateful to the State of Illinois, the Village of Rantoul, and the County of Champaign for their support, allowing us to maintain and grow our operations and keep these essential jobs in the region.”

“Companies like Combe investing in our communities play a huge role in making Illinois the best place to live, work, and thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Planting roots in Rantoul not only reaffirms our commitment to U.S. manufacturing and supply chain management, but also creates long-term, local economic growth.”

In 1974, Combe opened a primary manufacturing facility in Rantoul as the company was scaling its major global brands that revolutionized the personal care market. This facility remains a critical hub for Combe’s global supply chain and a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to U.S.-based production.

“Proactively connecting with Illinois’ businesses, understanding their needs, and working together to secure their investment in the state is a critical component of the work we do at DCEO,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “When faced with options to do business elsewhere, Combe chose Illinois, affirming the strength of Illinois’ manufacturing workforce, and why Illinois remains a strategic location for manufacturing companies to grow.”

A third-generation family-owned enterprise, Combe has a proven track record of successful brand development, having created Clearasil, Odor-Eaters, Just For Men and Vagisil. Combe has a storied history of creating and cultivating brands that push boundaries to deliver new solutions for consumers around the world.

“Combe has long been a key part of Rantoul’s industrial base, and this expansion is a significant milestone in our continued growth,” said Village of Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall III. “Rantoul has a proud manufacturing history, and this investment shows our progress in creating a strong, business-friendly environment. The new jobs from this project further boost our local economy and provide opportunities for residents.”

“Combe’s decision to expand operations in Rantoul reaffirms the company’s strong commitment to the community and underscores the region’s strengths,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “This project highlights Rantoul’s role as a manufacturing hub in Champaign County and spurs job creation, advancing long-term economic stability and workforce growth in the region. We're proud Combe's personal care products are made in Champaign County.”

The company is investing $30 million in the Rantoul facility as they relocate operations from California to Illinois, creating more than 20 new full-time jobs and retaining more than 100 existing full-time jobs.

“Combe has a proven track record of successfully revolutionizing the personal care market, and I'm thrilled to see this family business maintain and expand their operations in Rantoul,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (Champaign). “The East Central Illinois community will greatly benefit as Combe brings new full-time jobs to the area while retaining full-time positions that are critical to our local economy.”

###