Area Development
Seventeen companies are bringing a total of 300 new jobs to Iowa. The communities of Fort Dodge, Sioux Center, Ames, Urbandale, Fort Madison, Marion, Hiawatha, Eldridge, Pella, Davenport, Ankeny, Shell Rock, Huxley, Newton, Vinton, West Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Sheldon, and Clive will benefit from these business expansions.

The expansions include:

• Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. will invest $16.9 million to expand its facilities in Fort Dodge, Sioux Center, and Ames. The company, which specializes in animal health research and swine vaccines, will create 96 jobs and retain an additional 535 positions. The Grow Iowa Values Financial Assistance Program (GIVFAP) has extended the company more than $3.2 million in aid. It will also receive tax incentives through High Quality Jobs.

• Packaging firm Walter G. Anderson Inc. will open a new plant in Newton. The company will invest $14.6 million and create 60 jobs. The High Quality Jobs program is supporting the expansion with tax benefits.

• Steel processor and distributor Joseph T. Ryerson and Son Inc. will invest $7.39 million and create 51 jobs. It has proposed a facility for Eldridge. Ryerson has been approved for High Quality Jobs tax incentives.