Image via Wikipedia
The Iowa Economic Development Board approved awards recently that will create up to 256 jobs in Iowa.
The board approved incentives for planned or proposed projects located in Lytton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Davenport, Boone, Cedar Rapids, Rembrandt, Spencer, Ames, Ankeny and Coralville.
The awards approved today included incentives to companies in Iowa's targeted industries of manufacturing, biosciences, software development and food processing.
"Today's awards underscore the fact that companies from a diverse group of industries are choosing Iowa as a place to locate or grow," said Governor Terry Branstad. "These companies recognize Iowa's unique business advantages and skilled workforce."
By utilizing the available tools - both in the form of direct financial assistance and tax credits -- Iowa can assist communities around the state to create and retain jobs in Iowa.
"When I travel across the state and the nation, it is obvious people are beginning to recognize the great resources Iowa has for businesses," said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the public arm of the recently-passed Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress legislation. "That is evidenced by the projects that have been approved today."
Bridgestone to invest in Des Moines operations
The board approved $500,000 in direct financial assistance through the Grow Iowa Values Fund (GIVFAP) as well as tax incentives for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations to upgrade its Des Moines plant. The $56.6 million project is for purchasing and installing new machinery and equipment into the existing facility. The project is expected to create 72 jobs, 59 of which are supported by state incentives. The company plans on investing in new machinery and equipment to increase efficiencies and expand the company's capabilities in existing and new products at its agricultural tire plant. Tax incentives for the project are through the High Quality Jobs program.
Proliant Meat Ingredients plans expansion in Lytton
The board approved tax incentives through the High Quality Jobs program for Proliant Meat Ingredients to expand its facility in Lytton. The project represents an $8 million capital investment and is expected to create three jobs. The company produces stocks and broths used primarily in the production of soups, sauces and gravies. Proliant plans on expanding its existing building, increasing production capacity through the addition of new equipment, improving wastewater handling capabilities and upgrading the air handling system.
Green Industrial Supply proposes expansion in Dubuque
The board awarded $80,000 in direct financial assistance through GIVFAP as well as tax incentives to Green Industrial Supply, Inc. for a proposed expansion in Dubuque. The proposal would create 16 jobs, 11 of which are supported by state incentives. The proposal includes a 120,000-square-foot warehouse and an attached 20,000-square-foot office, representing an $11.3 million capital investment by the company. The company supplies production and service parts to John Deere and subsidiaries, primarily for the construction and forestry groups. It also imports, exports, warehouses, manages inventory and provides engineering and warranty recovery services for John Deere. Tax incentives approved for the project are through the High Quality Jobs program.
Hardi North America plans expansion in Davenport
The board approved tax incentives through the High Quality Jobs program for Hardi North America, Inc. for an expansion of its Davenport manufacturing facility. The project is expected to create 18 jobs, one of which is supported by state incentives. The agricultural sprayer manufacturer plans to construct a 15,000-square-foot addition to house a new powder coating paint line, for a capital investment of more than $3.6 million. Founded in Denmark, the company is a world leader in spraying technology, designing, manufacturing, and distributing a broad range of sprayers.
Proliant Biologicals plans expansion in Boone
The board approved tax incentives through the High Quality Jobs program for Proliant Biologicals, Inc., which is expanding its facility in Boone. The project represents a $12.5 million capital investment and is expected to create eight jobs, one of which is supported by state incentives. The expansion is necessary to support continued business development at the facility. The company manufactures animal-derived biochemicals used in the medical diagnostic, veterinary, biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and life science research industries. Its primary products are derived from bovine plasma collected at slaughterhouses throughout the Midwest.
Raining Rose proposes new facility in Cedar Rapids
The board awarded $100,000 in direct financial assistance through GIVFAP to Raining Rose, Inc. for a proposal to demolish existing buildings and construct a new 122,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids. The natural body care products manufacturer's proposal is expected to create 54 jobs, 15 of which are supported by state incentives, and represents a $10.4 million capital investment. The board also approved incentives through the High Quality Jobs program.
Rembrandt Enterprises considering expansion in Rembrandt, Spencer
The board awarded $100,000 in direct financial assistance through GIVFAP's Value-Added Agricultural component and approved tax incentives for Rembrandt Enterprises, Inc. for a possible expansion at its facility in Rembrandt, Iowa. The proposal would expand the company's extended shelf-life pasteurization and packaging lines for liquid whole egg products that are a primary product of the food service industry. The project under consideration by the company is expected to create 22 jobs and represents a $3.6 million capital investment. Tax incentives approved for the project are through the High Quality Jobs program.
The board also approved tax incentives through the High Quality Jobs program to Rembrandt Enterprises, Inc. for a possible expansion of its Spencer facility. The facility produces inedible dried-egg products for the pet food industry and sees an opportunity to expand its existing business. The proposed project would create two jobs and represents a capital investment of more than $967,000.
Software company Rural Soluxions proposes Ames location
The board awarded $54,000 in direct financial assistance through GIVFAP to software development company Rural Soluxions, which is proposing opening an office in Ames. The project would create 20 jobs supported by state incentives and would represent a capital investment of $95,000. The startup will provide rural software services including quality assurance and a testing center with clients based primarily in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Lauridsen Group to expand in Ankeny
The board approved tax incentives through the High Quality Jobs program for The Lauridsen Group, Inc. to build a facility next to its existing corporate office in Ankeny. The project is expected to create 16 jobs supported by state incentives. The company and its subsidiaries operate more than 40 facilities primarily engaged in manufacturing edible and non-edible protein products. The project represents an $8.7 million capital investment and includes a 20,800-square-foot building that will include research, laboratory and new product applications testing facilities, as well as office space.
Zero Energy Systems proposes manufacturing facility in Coralville
The board awarded a $250,000 royalty agreement and tax incentives to Zero Energy Systems for a proposal to construct a manufacturing facility in Coralville that would produce the company's proprietary concrete wall system. The project is expected to create 25 jobs supported by state incentives and represents a $6.9 million capital investment. The insulated wall system for commercial and residential use allows for net-zero energy use results while providing disaster resistance and longevity. Tax incentives approved for the project are through the High Quality Jobs program.
