The Economy

Agricultural Equipment Maker Acquires Iowa Plant for Expansion

May 7, 2010

The $1.3 million expansion will create 45 jobs, according to the company.

Arts Way Manufacturing, an Armstrong, Iowa-based manufacturer and distributor of specialized agricultural equipment, announced that it has acquired a 190,000-square-foot facility in West Union, Iowa, for expansion.

Arts Way paid $1.27 million for the building. 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 said it is working with the Iowa Finance Authority to obtain long-term financing of the facility with industrial development bonds. Arts Way also is eligible to receive $158,000 for job training.

Our plans for this facility will be a combination of production of our ag lines and warehouse for finished products, said J. Ward McConnell Jr., executive chairman of the board. We first intend to start shipping over some of our finished goods for distribution and then move over production lines of our forage boxes and hay rakes. The addition of this facility will allow us to gain valuable production space and will certainly allow us to accommodate any future acquisition.

McConnell said the factory and warehouse expansion will create approximately 45 new jobs.

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.