# Illinois Invests in Combe Rantoul Expansion

The State of Illinois has committed a **$5 million grant** to support Combe Incorporated's **$30 million manufacturing expansion** in Rantoul, Illinois, announced on May 6, 2026. This investment aims to retain over 100 existing jobs and create more than 20 new full-time positions, reinforcing Illinois' manufacturing sector and local economic development. The initiative reflects state-level collaboration among government agencies, local economic development organizations, and private industry to sustain and grow manufacturing capabilities within the region.

- The grant is administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), highlighting state economic development priorities.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on public-private partnerships that leverage state funding to support manufacturing infrastructure expansion.
- Contractors and suppliers in manufacturing and construction sectors may find increased opportunities linked to this expansion project.
- This investment signals Illinois' strategic focus on job retention and creation in manufacturing hubs, which may influence future state-level procurement and grant programs.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** May 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- State of Illinois
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Village of Rantoul
- Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

### Vendors
- Combe Incorporated (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Combe27s expansion is a great example of how the State of Illinois works with companies and communities to create jobs and opportunities for our people.
> — JB Pritzker, Governor

> 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.
> — Keech Combe Shetty, Executive Chair of Combe Incorporated

### Sources
- [Gov. Pritzker Announces $5 Million Investment in Combe’s Rantoul Expansion](https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.32481.html) - IL