The Iowa Department of Economic Development board today approved awards designed to create up to 256 jobs in the state, including incentives to Iowa companies in the targeted industries of manufacturing, biosciences, software development and food processing.

In Des Moines, the board approved $500,000 in direct financial assistance through the Grow Iowa Values Fund as well as tax incentives to Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations to help with a $56.6 million upgrade of its Des Moines plant.

Also, Proliant Biologicals Inc. will receive tax incentives to expand its facilities in Boone and Lytton, and the Lauridsen Group Inc. will receive incentives to build a facility next to its existing corporate office in Ankeny.

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