Iowa's top manufacturing employer has factories around the globe, including where coronavirus outbreaks have forced massive quarantines and factory shutdowns. A spokesman for Quad Cities-based John Deere says procedures are in place to respond to the outbreak in China, where Deere makes farm and … [Read more...]
IRS looking for fill jobs at its West Des Moines call center
The Internal Revenue Service is looking for several people in Iowa to fill open positions. Spokesman Chris Miller says, "The IRS hopes to hire up to 150 new seasonal employees to work at our call center in West Des Moines." He says they are taking applications right now. "Both the seasonal … [Read more...]
Nestle and Timken in Clinton win state incentives for 157 jobs
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board today approved tax incentives for two Clinton companies which promise to create 157 jobs. IEDA spokesperson, Jessica O'Riley, says tax incentives were approved for the Nestleè Purina plant which has produced dog and cat food in Clinton since 1969. … [Read more...]
Deere quarterly report sees signs of improving agriculture economy
Iowa's largest manufacturing employer reports its first-quarter income rose, while net sales fell. Officials with Quad Cities-based John Deere says the U.S. farm sector is beginning to recover as farmer confidence improves with a relaxation of trade tensions and higher ag exports. Brent Norwood, … [Read more...]
Manufacturing plants in Red Oak and Shenandoah to close
Southwest Iowa was dealt a double blow with the announcement Tuesday of layoffs at two manufacturing plants in the area. The Eaton Corporation confirmed that its Shenandoah plant would be closing sometime this year. Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association executive vice president, Gregg … [Read more...]
Iowa Business Council says worker shortage persistent
The latest competitiveness check released by the Iowa Business Council shows the lack of available workers remains the biggest threat to Iowa's long-term growth. Vermeer Corporation chairwoman Mary Andringa of Pella is also chair of the Iowa Business Council. "Iowa faces a persistent shortage of … [Read more...]
Amazon confirms plan to build warehouse in Bondurant
Online retail giant Amazon is announcing plans to build its first product warehouse in Iowa. The company is referring to the estimated 16-million-dollar warehouse as a "fulfillment center" and it will be built in the Des Moines suburb of Bondurant. Amazon says when the center opens late this … [Read more...]
Pontoon boat company shutting down Fort Dodge plant
A company that makes pontoon boats will shut down its operation in Fort Dodge. Officials with Misty Harbor announced this week its plans to close the plant. The closing will affect the 45 employees of the facility. Misty Harbor president Jeff Miller said the work will move from Fort Dodge to a … [Read more...]
Hy-Vee going away from staying open 24 hours
Iowans who get a hankering for a midnight snack will soon have to head for a convenience store and not the nearest HyVee. Starting next Monday, the West Des Moines-based grocery chain will stop keeping its stores open around the clock. Hy-Vee spokeswoman Tina Potthoff says few customers do their … [Read more...]
Creighton survey shows improvements for Iowa economy
The latest economic report from Creighton University shows significant improvements in both the Iowa and Midwestern economies for the second month in a row. Creighton economist Ernie Goss and his team survey business leaders and supply managers every month in Iowa and eight other states. Goss … [Read more...]