Herff Jones to close Champaign plant next year, expand Arcola operations

GaryPageau
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Central Illinois News-Gazette reports Herff Jones to close Champaign, Illinois, plant by March 2026 and expand operations in nearby Arcola and in Indianapolis. The site makes cap and gown products. According to the report, CEO Ron Stoupa said most employees on the production side will be moving to Arcola, and “some of that starts immediately,” he said. “On the other hand, some of the plant’s distribution employees will move to Indianapolis, and the company hopes to relocate as many employees to both sites as they can,” the report said.

The plant consolidation is being driven by inefficiencies in the Champaign site t at 1000 N. Market St., which was the National Self-Winding Clock Co., opened its factory in 1905. Herff Jones acquired the building in 1970.

“In Arcola, we have more room to grow, as well as a more sound, to be honest, structure,” Stoupa said. “… But we have extremely skilled people in Champaign, so if folks can’t find a way to commute the 30 miles, we’re actually providing busing service.”

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Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.