Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and World Business Chicago today announced that Kimberly-Clark, maker of trusted brands including Huggies®, Cottonelle®, Kleenex® and Depend®, will expand their presence in Chicago with a new commercial center for its North American consumer products business. 

“Kimberly-Clark's decision to grow its presence here in our great city is a testament to the phenomenal talent of our residents and strength of our local economy," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "On behalf of Chicago, I am thrilled to welcome the Kimberly-Clark team and look forward to working closely with them to identify ways to both enhance their business and further our region's reputation as a hub for economic growth, innovation and opportunity."  

“Kimberly-Clark’s move to Illinois is just the latest sign that our investments in talent, innovation and digital infrastructure are not only paying off for residents, but are creating the ideal environment for companies to leverage our unique assets and pursue long-term growth,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Kimberly-Clark’s iconic brands are essential to millions of people in Illinois and across North America, and we’re proud that talented individuals from our state will play a role in producing these essential products for generations to come.” 

“We welcome Kimberly-Clark and its amazing people to Chicago. Our city is a welcoming community of active, invested and committed business and civic leaders; diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods, and the best, most authentic people around,” said Michael Fassnacht, Interim President & CEO, World Business Chicago and Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. “We look forward to welcoming all your amazing brands and talent to our thriving, diverse and innovative business ecosystem.

Kimberly-Clark expects to open its North American Commercial Center in the Fulton Market area of Chicago. The recently restored building, located on the 1100 block of W. Fulton Street, is expected to house more than 250 roles in sales, marketing, executive management and other commercial functions by spring of 2022. 

“Chicago provides us the opportunity to grow Kimberly-Clark’s business and will position us closer to our outstanding retail partners, marketing and digital agencies and other service providers who already call Chicago home,” said Kurt Laufer, President, US Consumer Sales, Kimberly-Clark. “We thank Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot for their continued support throughout this process.” 

Kimberly-Clark has qualified for the EDGE incentive program offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support companies making large scale capital investments. An agreement, while not yet finalized, will ensure long-term investment is met with job creation goals. The company is in ongoing conversations with the State about eligibility for other resources to support its future growth needs. 

“We are excited to welcome Kimberly-Clark’s expansion in Illinois and celebrate their investment to create new well-paying jobs for those who call our state home.” said DCEO Director Sylvia Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, more and more companies are choosing Illinois thanks to our investments to grow world class talent, expand transportation and public infrastructure and improve access to other amenities that can be only be found here in our great state.”  

As a hub for major consumer brands known around the world, Kimberly-Clark will find itself in company alongside other Fortune 500 organizations based in Illinois, including Walgreens Boots Alliance, Mondelez and Conagra Brands. Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois’ 5-year plan for economic growth directs investments in technology, workforce development and digital and hard infrastructure made through a record $45 billion capital plan. In choosing to relocate its North American Commercial Center in Illinois, Kimberly-Clark joins 37 Fortune 500 Companies headquartered in the state and is gaining access to a highly skilled workforce needed to fill the jobs essential for the company’s future growth plans.   

Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, the company’s portfolio of brands includes Huggies®, Kleenex®, Scott®, U by Kotex®, Cottonelle®, Poise®, Depend®, Pull-Ups®, GoodNites® and Viva®. To learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com. 

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