April 18, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for companies in Belle Plaine and Perry, which will assist in the creation of 51 jobs and result in nearly $45 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved grants for projects in Dickinson County and Grinnell through the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program and an event in Des Moines through the Sports Tourism Marketing Program. In addition, 33 manufacturers across the state received Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment grants.
Frontier Natural Products Co-op to expand Belle Plaine facility
Founded in 1976, Frontier Natural Products Co-op is a cooperatively owned wholesaler of natural and organic herbs, spices and essential oil products sold under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic and Aura Cacia brands. The company plans to expand the Belle Plaine facility with the construction of a 90,000-square-foot facility for additional production and warehouse capacity to support continued growth, including service to larger multinational retail corporations. The project represents a capital investment of just over $30 million and is expected to create 16 jobs, of which six are incented at a qualifying wage of $22.18 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.
Italian manufacturer to establish US headquarters in Perry
A.D.R Axles USA, Inc., Affiliate of A.D.R. S.p.A headquartered in Milan, Italy, manufactures axles, braking systems and suspensions for agricultural and industrial machines. The company plans to establish its North American headquarters with the construction of a 54,000-square-foot fabrication and assembly facility located on the certified site within the Perry Industrial Park. The project represents a $14.3 million capital investment and was awarded tax benefits through the HQJ program. It is expected to create 35 jobs, of which 12 will meet or exceed the qualifying laborshed wage of $31.10 per hour.
CAT grants awarded for projects in Dickinson County and Grinnell
Dickinson County was awarded $500,000 for the Clay County Connection project, which includes the construction of a 3.5-mile addition to the Spine Trail. Once complete, the 32-mile trail corridor will link three counties in two states and eight municipalities. It will also be part of the Iowa Great Lakes Connection, a popular trail system for residents and visitors to access several lakes and many recreational opportunities in Northwest Iowa. The total project cost is just over $2.5 million.
The City of Grinnell was awarded $343,000 to construct a Veterans Memorial monument and plaza. The 40-foot steel structure representing an American flag is a unique art feature for the city’s park and downtown area and will be incorporated into community celebrations. The total project cost is just over $1.7 million.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
Sports Tourism grant awarded to professional tournament
The Des Moines Metro Disc Golf Club was awarded $6,875 for the three-day Disc Golf Pro Tour, which will host 160 of the world’s top players and over 300 amateur participants. Promotion of this event will focus on social media and billboard ads. The total project cost is $13,750.
The Sports Tourism program provides financial assistance for projects that market or promote professional, collegiate or amateur level sporting events in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Sports Tourism Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
FY 2025 Manufacturing 4.0 funding awarded to 33 manufacturers
The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program aims to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in Iowa’s largest industry. The grants help small- and mid-size Iowa manufacturers invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies. For this fiscal year, 33 companies received funding for a total of $2,016,756 in awards and total project cost of nearly $5.5 million. For a full list of awards: Manufacturing 4.0 Awards.
Award recommendations for the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program funds are made by a review committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
# # #
Download a spreadsheet with today's HQJ awards: April 2025 Awards.
1963 Bell Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315