The Economy

Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer Expanding in Iowa

March 29, 2010

Arts Way Manufacturing Inc., an Armstrong, Iowa-based manufacturer and distributor of specialized agricultural equipment, plans to purchase a 190,000-square-foot facility in West Union, Iowa.

Josh Cable

A grant and loan of $65,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Board will help offset expenses associated with building repairs and machinery and equipment, according to the company. Arts Way also is eligible to receive $158,000 for job training.

We are very pleased to receive this grant from the Iowa Economic Development Board, as it reinforces the strength, importance and industry leadership of Arts Way Manufacturing, said J. Ward McConnell Jr., executive chairman of the board for Arts Way. Our entire team has worked extremely hard to demonstrate to the Iowa Economic Development Board that we are worthy of this funding. Our plans for this facility will be a combination of warehouse for finished products and production of some of our ag lines.

The addition of this facility will allow us to gain valuable production space and will certainly allow us to accommodate any future acquisition.

The $1.4 million warehouse and factory expansion will create approximately 40 new jobs, according to the company. Arts Way expects to close on the facility around April 30.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.