The Iowa Economic Development Authority board reviewed and approved several major business and community improvement projects across the region and state at its meeting today.

Altoona

Robinson, a metal fabricator from Wisconsin, plans to lease 800,000 square feet of newly constructed, build-to-suit manufacturing space and create 100 jobs at $36.65/hour in Altoona. Robinson will invest in equipment and machinery for the building and construction of the facility will cost $100 million.

The company plans to spend $76.6 million on the project. The city of Altoona is providing industrial property tax abatement and a 100% tax increment financing agreement for 15 years or until a total value of $25 million is reached. The city is investing $9 million in road and infrastructure improvements for the project. Construction is expected to begin at the end of this year and be complete in 2027. The state will award $1.2 million through the High Quality Jobs Program.

Ankeny

New Horizon Cuisine, which produces meat and vegetable extracts used in human and pet food industries, is investing $14.5 million to build a 30,000-square-foot production facility in Ankeny that will include office, lab, warehouse and distribution spaces. The city of Ankeny is planning to provide a five-year property tax abatement with an estimated value of $530,000 and a five-year TIF rebate with an estimated value of $380,000.

Knoxville

Road construction heavy equipment manufacturer Weiler in Knoxville is planning to build a new 69,000-square-foot factory to help support the expansion of its rock drills and track feller buncher lines. The $14.1 million project will support 54 jobs at $27.06/hour; 792 people work there now. The city is providing a three-year tax abatement and the state approved $211,000 in incentives. Construction is expected to begin next summer and be completed in 2027.

Iowa City

Of note, the state approved $5.25 million incentives for a $150 million investment by Oral B’s parent company Procter & Gamble. The company plans to build a 150,000-square-foot factory to accommodate manufacturing capacity of products that are produced outside the United States. Iowa City plans to provide a $1.2 million in property tax exemption. Oral B currently employs 584 at the location and plans to add 100 more positions at $31.85/hour. Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2026 and be complete in 2027.

Eldridge

Lewis Machine & Tool Co., which manufactures defense products for the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide, plans to expand to a second location in Eldridge for plating and coating operations. The 7,500-square-foot adjacent warehouse space will establish a zero-emissions operation with modern equipment. The expansion will increase production and extend their products from smaller items, like rifles, to cannon-sized barrels. The project was awarded a $300,000 forgivable loan through the High Quality Jobs program. It represents a capital investment of nearly $5.5 million and is expected to create 34 jobs incented at a quality wage of $24.97 per hour.

Fairfield

Founded in 1894, Dexter Laundry manufactures commercial and industrial laundry equipment with a full line of washers, dryers and advanced management systems. The 100% employee-owned company plans to construct a 22,500-square-foot addition to their headquarters in Fairfield for a new paint system to support an increase in output. The project is expected to retain six jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $25.25 per hour. It represents a capital investment of nearly $9 million and was awarded tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program.

Awards for startups

Waukee-based medtech company Pathware is developing an AI-driven computational microscopy platform that aims to improve lung cancer biopsy procedures by providing rapid sample feedback to clinicians at the point of care. After submitting and earning clearance by the FDA, Pathware intends to expand the technology to include lymph node, thyroid, breast, prostate, gastrointestinal and additional tissue indications. The company was awarded a $500,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan to build space for production and clinical testing.

Neuroscience research company NeuroPed of Coralville developed its initial product for post-stroke management and diagnosis support. Its technology platform, a Software as a Medical Device that is integrated with electronic health records, will help predict cognitive and behavioral outcomes from localized brain damage so clinicians can design targeted rehabilitation plans and make evidence-based decisions. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for IP development and evaluation, key personnel, proof of concept work, product refinement and market planning and entry activities.

Harvest Increase Agriculture, headquartered in Iowa City, created a fertilizer additive, SUPRGrow, that boosts corn and soybean yields. The sulfide-based seed treatment aims to be a cost-effective solution to enhance plant growth. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for proof of concept work, key personnel and market planning and entry activities.

Destination Iowa grants awarded to three projects

The city of Bondurant plans to establish the Silo Commons, a unique outdoor performance and community venue. The development will include a permanent amphitheater affixed to the silo, a 110-foot-tall rock-climbing course on the silo, an event lawn that can accommodate up to 850 people, an interactive bouldering feature, plaza space, mural and light displays and a direct connection to the Chichaqua Valley Trail system. The venue is expected to generate up to 30,000 visits annually. The $3 million project was awarded a $749,000 grant.

The Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project and city of Shenandoah plan to build the Wabash Trace Rapp Park Connector Trail, linking the 63-mile-long Wabash Trace Nature Trail to the outdoor recreation opportunities in southwest Iowa. The different components aim to upgrade and create safer off-road connections to different sporting activities, local shops and the 200-acre Rapp Park. It is estimated that the trail will draw 75,000 annual visitors. The $2.5 million project was awarded a $600,000 grant.

The city of West Des Moines plans to construct an events center at the MidAmerican Energy Co. RecPlex, an indoor sports complex. The new 100,000-square-foot enclosed facility will include spectator seating for large-scale events and allow for the conversion of ice arenas into multipurpose configurations. It will attract visitors from across the country year-round, with direct annual spending estimated at $6.8 million. The $40 million project was awarded a $5 million grant.

The Destination Iowa program invests in transformational attractions designed to improve quality of life and attract visitors and new residents. It helps Iowa communities make strategic investments to create and support infrastructure projects for lasting tourism opportunities.

CAT grants awarded to three projects

The city of Lenox was awarded $162,000 to renovate the public swimming pool complex, including the shallow pool area, spray features, climbing wall and basketball hoops. The total project cost is $541,000.

The Des Moines Area Community College Foundation was awarded $580,000 to construct a multiuse pavilion at their Newton Campus Legacy Plaza that can host concerts, farmers markets, cultural festivals and ice skating in the winter. The large, covered structure will also include a signature public art installation. The total project cost is nearly $3 million.

The Louisa County Fair Association was awarded $364,000 to build a multipurpose barn at the fairgrounds in Columbus Junction to show all swine, beef, goat and sheep at the fair. The space is designed to host large gatherings, accommodating over 3,000 people. The total project cost is over $1.2 million.

The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA board for approval.