Rural King Expands Mattoon, Illinois, Operations

Area Development News Desk

06/16/2026

Farm and home supply retailer Rural King plans to expand its operations in Mattoon, Illinois. The $75 million project is expected to create 100 jobs.

The investment will include construction of a new Store Support Center Campus that will serve as the company’s headquarters for leadership, support departments, and other key business functions.

“Our associates are the heartbeat of our company,” said Alex Melvin, Owner and Chairman of Rural King. “As Rural King continues to grow, this new Store Support Center is an investment for our teams to ensure they have the space, resources, and technology needed to support our stores and customers while keeping our roots firmly planted in the community we call home. In addition to the Store Support Center, we are excited to develop an event center which will be available for the community to utilize for a variety of different purposes.”

To support the project, Rural King received assistance through Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program. In addition, the Illinois Department of Transportation is partnering with the City of Mattoon to provide grant funding through its Economic Development Program to extend Swords Drive and improve access to the new campus.

“Rural King’s decision to expand and modernize its Store Support Center in Mattoon is a strong example of Illinois’ continued success in strengthening and retaining homegrown businesses,” noted Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Through strategic economic development tools, we are helping companies make long-term investments in Illinois communities, supporting job creation, strengthening regional economies, and ensuring that employers have the resources they need to compete and grow here at home.”

Rural King sells farm supplies, livestock feed, tools, hardware, outdoor equipment, apparel, and home products through stores across the U.S. The company’s operations include retail merchandising, distribution, e-commerce, and supply chain management.

“Rural King's expansion demonstrates the strength of Illinois' homegrown companies and the advantages of growing a business in our state,” added Christy George, President and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation. “This $75 million expansion will create new opportunities for Central Illinois families while reinforcing Mattoon as a strategic location for business operations.”

“We want to thank Rural King’s leadership team for their continued investment in Coles County,” said Ronda Sauget, President and CEO of Coles Together. “Rural King’s growth and expansion, headquartered in the City of Mattoon, is a prime example of successful supply chain logistics, warehouse, and distribution operations from the center of the U.S. with easy access to anywhere in North America.”

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