Becks-Hybrids-logoA company based in Indiana has plans to build a $15 million agricultural seed retail and distribution center near the central Iowa town of Colfax. State Senator Chaz Allen of Newton is director of the Jasper County Economic Development Company. He says the Beck’s Hybrids facility would bring some high paying jobs to the area.

“It’s going to be 50 jobs, all of them above our median level, averaging probably around $22 an hour,” Allen said. According to the company website, Beck’s is the largest family-owned retail seed company in the U.S. with locations in eight states.

“This is an exciting thing for Colfax, Jasper County and all of central Iowa,” Allen said. “They’re coming to make a presence here in Iowa and they’ve chosen the corridor on Interstate 80. It’s a great opportunity for them and us.” The 90,000 square-foot facility would be located just north of I-80 at the Colfax exit. The Jasper County Board of

Supervisors is scheduled to meet today to discuss loans and tax incentives for the project. Allen said more tax incentives will be requested from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. If the deal is finalized, a groundbreaking could be held in August and company officials are hoping to begin operations at the plant in June 2016.