(CREDIT: Feber-Castell website)

German manufacturing giant Faber-Castell Cosmetics has announced the company’s first North American manufacturing facility in Illinois will be built right here in Kane County.

According to a joint news release by the state of Illinois and Faber-Castell, the German company has leased a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Elgin that will be dedicated to producing cosmetic pencils for the North American market.

The $9 million project will create 50 full-time jobs.

The announcement comes after Gov. Bruce Rauner visited with the company in Stein, Germany, in late spring.

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

Countess Mary von Faber-Castell (CREDIT: Faber-Castel website)

“I am proud to announce this project during the 40^th year of Faber-Castell Cosmetics,” said company President Countess Mary von Faber-Castell. “The US facility will become Faber-Castell Cosmetics’ beta factory with exceptional, industry-standard processes and systems, in addition to offering US customers the same speed-to-market and convenience now enjoyed by Europe and Brazil.”

During his April 2018 trade mission to Poland and Germany, the Rauner met with leaders of Faber-Castell at their world headquarters in Stein, Germany.

The company, best known for their pens, pencils and art supplies, dates back to 1761 and does business with more than 100 countries.

The cosmetic division, Faber-Castell Cosmetics, is celebrating its 40^th year anniversary as a world-recognized private label cosmetic manufacturer, focusing on color cosmetics and nail care.

“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 Sen. Karen McConnaughay, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the city of Elgin, and Harper College, to solidify this deal for Illinois.”

The company announced its expansion at the MakeUp conference in New York, an industry-wide event that has more than 110 formula, accessories and packaging 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.”

Intersect Illinois coordinated the April trade mission to enhance the state’s Foreign Direct Investment 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.”

SOURCE: State of Illinois, Faber-Castell news release

About Faber-Castell Cosmetics

(CREDIT: Feber-Castell website)

Faber-Castell, the 257-year old Germany-based company that was founded prior to the French Revolution — and best known for its fine writing and art products and slide rules — began manufacturing cosmetic pencils in 1978.

Now led by its ninth generation, the company remains completely family-owned. Countess Mary von Faber-Castell serves as president, Faber-Castell Cosmetics. About a year ago, a non-family executive was brought in, with Daniel Rogger, being named chairman of the Faber-Castell Group, commissioned to run the entire organization.

The firm now manufactures 2.3 billion wood-cased pencils per year, which for perspective, would reach from here to the moon.

For the fiscal year 2016-17, company leaders achieved a turnover of 667 million Euros; the Cosmetics industry accounts for around 15 percent of the total and is growing.

They have production sites in nine countries — and have their own sustainable forest in South America. They now also injection mold their own plastic components and can custom match the lead.

SOURCE: Faber-Castell website