AABP EP Awards 728x90

Manufacturing

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Deere acquires Silicon Valley-based robotics company for $250 million

Deere & Co. announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million. Founded in 2017, the Silicon Valley-based startup develops autonomous driving technology compatible with existing machines. The deal accelerates the …
By BPC Staff | Aug 5, 2021
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USDA again sanctions powerful Iowa hog buyer for cheating sellers

Associated Press: For the second time in four years, an influential nationwide pork dealer based in Iowa has been sanctioned by federal regulators for illegal buying practices that cheated hog sellers out of hundreds of thousands …
By BPC Staff | Jul 29, 2021
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West Bancorporation reports record second-quarter net income of $13.2M

West Bancorporation Inc., parent company of West Bank, today reported that its second-quarter net income was $13.2 million, or 79 cents per diluted common share, compared with $8.0 million, or 48 cents per diluted common …
By BPC Staff | Jul 29, 2021
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Congressional leaders ask why Iowa cattle producers get low prices

Des Moines Register: During hearings Wednesday, U.S. House and Senate members grilled meatpacking executives about why their profits were soaring, while at the same time, independent cattle producers are suffering significant losses. Legislators blame cattle producer …
By BPC Staff | Jul 29, 2021
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Collins Aerospace sees increase in sales, profit as commercial air travel recovers

Cedar Rapids Gazette: As more travelers book commercial flights, Cedar Rapids’ largest employer is experiencing the benefits on its balance sheet. Collins Aerospace saw a 6% rise in adjusted sales the second quarter of 2021 compared …
By BPC Staff | Jul 28, 2021
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Iowa’s largest pork producer urges year-round visas for foreign workers

Des Moines Register: A spokeswoman for a top Iowa pork producer told U.S. senators Wednesday that farmers and meatpacking plants face severe labor shortages and need the federal government to allow them to employ immigrant workers …
By BPC Staff | Jul 22, 2021
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Winnebago to acquire Indiana-based pontoon boat maker in $300M-plus deal

Winnebago Industries Inc. announced it will buy Barletta Pontoon Boats, an Indiana-based boat manufacturer, for more than $300 million in a deal that will further expand its marine business, Bloomberg News reported. Winnebago, based in Forest City, …
By BPC Staff | Jul 20, 2021
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Kemin Biofuels begins customer trials of new low-dose enzyme product

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer based in Des Moines, announced that its Kemin Biofuels division has begun customer trials of a new low-dose enzyme aimed at reducing production costs for biofuels producers. The new …
By BPC Staff | Jul 14, 2021
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Vermeer Corp. featured in new ‘Creators Wanted’ video series by NAM

Third-generation Iowa manufacturer Vermeer Corp. is among four Midwest-based, family-owned companies featured in the Creators Wanted virtual series produced by the National Association of Manufacturers. The episode, “A Family Tradition: Building a Legacy in Manufacturing,” highlights how …
By BPC Staff | Jul 14, 2021
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Producers who destroyed livestock during packing plant closures to get aid

Des Moines Register: The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer federal assistance to Iowa farmers and other U.S. producers who had to destroy hogs, turkeys and chickens they were unable to get processed during last year’s …
By BPC Staff | Jul 14, 2021