CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The popular manufacturing company that takes care of many caps and gowns for Central Illinois graduation ceremonies is leaving one town — and expanding in another.

The Herff Jones Plant in Champaign will be closing down but expanding operations in Douglas County. The company will be phasing out of Champaign over the next few months and transitioning employees to Arcola and Indianapolis to work.

Management said an estimated 90 jobs will be impacted like supervisor and distribution roles. Executive Vice President Andy Penca said the Champaign building has lasted for a half a century, and leaving the city they love is disappointing.

“It’s it’s difficult. You know, I started with Herff Jones four years ago and a good portion of the beginning of my time at Herff Jones I spent working in this facility and in Arcola packing and shipping boxes,” Penca said. “So I’ve gotten to know a lot of the people here personally and worked alongside them. So it’s difficult. It’s challenging.”
The Champaign plant is expected to close next march.