The Iowa Economic Development Board approved awards today for planned or proposed projects in 11 cities that could create up 256 jobs. Board spokesperson Tina Hoffman says the largest award of $500,000 in direct financial assistance will aid an expansion of the Bridgestone Tire plant in Des Moines.
The $56.6 million project is expected to create 72 jobs. Bridgestone was also awarded tax incentives. Another award will help Green Industrial Supply in Dubuque with a proposed expansion that would create 16 new jobs.
“The board awarded them 80,000 dollars from the Grow Iowa Values Fund and tax incentives for that expansion,” Hoffman said. The company supplies production and service parts to John Deere. Tax incentives were awarded to Hardi North America for an expansion of its facility in Davenport.
The agricultural sprayer manufacturer is planning a $3.6 million expansion. The project is expected to create 18 jobs. The board awarded $100,000 in direct financial assistance for Rembrandt Enterprises for a possible expansion at its facility in Rembrandt.
“That project would create 22 jobs and represents a $3.6 million capital investment,” Hoffman said. The board also approved tax incentives to Rembrandt for a possible expansion of its Spencer facility. More awards were approved for projects in Lytton, Boone, Cedar Rapids, Ames, Ankeny and Coralville.