The Economy

Agricultural Equipment Maker Purchases Facility in S.D.

April 2, 2010

Arts Way produces portable grain augers at the plant.

Arts Way Manufacturing, an Armstrong, Iowa-based manufacturer of agricultural equipment, has purchased a 15,000-square-foot production facility in Salem, S.D., to produce portable grain augers.

The company paid approximately $194,000 for the plant, which it had been leasing since December 2008.

The auger business opened up to us with the closing of the Feterl business and the purchase of this facility is a smart and cost-effective move for us, said J. Ward McConnell Jr., executive chairman of the board for Arts Way. We are filling new orders every day, and expect to continue gain market share each quarter. As of March 31, 2010, our auger backlog stands at $2.8 million.

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.