2007 news archive

Nov. 26, 2007
TPI’s new facility will expand GE’s capability to meet growing demand for wind turbines

Reinforcing its capability to meet the growing global demand for wind turbines, GE Energy has signed an agreement with one of the leading wind turbine blade suppliers, TPI Composites. In support of the agreement, TPI plans to build a new 316,000 square foot facility in Newton, Iowa that will create approximately 500 new jobs.

The new plant will expand TPI’s capacity to produce blades for GE’s 1.5-megawatt wind turbines, which are among the most widely used wind turbines in the world, with more than 6,500 installed.

“As the wind industry continues to grow, we face an ever-increasing demand for reliable and efficient wind turbines,” said Victor Abate, Vice President-Renewables for GE Energy. “Our commercial relationships with valued suppliers such as TPI are critical to the continuing growth and success of our business.”

“These are exciting times in the wind industry, and we are very pleased to work with GE to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said Steven C. Lockard, President and CEO of TPI. “The Newton facility will significantly enhance our capacity to support the requirements of GE’s wind business.”

“We applaud TPI and GE for bringing these new jobs to Newton,” said Iowa Gov. Chet Culver. “As Governor, my goal is to take full advantage of Iowa’s natural resources, along with our incredible manufacturing base and workforce, to make Iowa the renewable energy capital of the nation. With this announcement, Iowa continues its leadership in the wind energy industry, and remains a critical player in the race to produce clean, wind-generated electricity.”

"Wind is now one of the largest sources adding new electricity generation in the country," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. "As today's announcement demonstrates, wind power is also a large source of investment, creating good jobs and building economic opportunity here in Iowa and across the country."

TPI Composites has manufacturing sites in Warren, Rhode Island; Springfield, Ohio; Juarez, Mexico; and TaiCang, China. With the Iowa expansion, the company will reach an estimated 1.1M square feet of manufacturing space in 2008.

Interest in the production of cleaner, wind-generated electricity continues to soar in many countries around the world. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, more than 15,000 megawatts of new wind power capacity were installed worldwide in 2006, including more than 2,400 megawatts in the U.S. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) expects the U.S. wind energy industry to install 4,000 megawatts in the U.S. in 2007, generating enough new electricity to power the equivalent of over one million homes.

GE Energy has played a significant role in the dramatic growth of the wind industry. Since 2004, GE has experienced a 500% increase in wind turbine production, and expects its wind business revenues to exceed $4 billion this year. Over the past two years, GE has supplied wind turbines representing more than 50% of the new wind capacity across the U.S.

Oct. 19, 2007
NDC honors four Newton businesses at Thursday lunch

Four local businesses were recognized at the Newton Development Corporations’ Salute to Business and Industry Luncheon on Thursday. Businesses honored included Iowa Telecom, Caleris, Hanson Directory and PDP. Pictured (from left) are NDC Board chair Bev Price, NDC Executive Director Kim Didier, PDP founder Don Fisher, Iowa Telecom President and CEO Alan Wells, Caleris founders Rick Grewell and Sheldon Ohringer, Hanson Directory President Bill Hanson and NDC board member Frank Liebl.

Members of the Newton Development Corporation and area businesses gathered at DMACC/Sodexho for the 2007 Salute to Business and Industry Luncheon Thursday afternoon.

Four local businesses were recognized including Iowa Telecom, Caleris, Hanson Directory and PDP.

Alan Wells, president and CEO of Iowa Telecom, said he was pleased the company, which recently moved its operations into the former Maytag headquarters building, was acknowledged for the work Iowa Telecom has done across the state and more importantly in the community.

“I and the company are honored to be recognized for what we’ve done,” Wells said today. “We’ve tried to be a good corporate citizen and we’re pleased to be recognized.”

Caleris, Iowa Telecom’s neighbors at the headquarters building, also was recognized for their recent relocation to and impact on Newton. Sheldon Ohringer accepted the award for himself and Rick Grewell who started the business in Des Moines in the 1990s and expanded their operations opening in Newton earlier this year.

“It’s a been a great experience moving here and working with NDC and Iowa Telecom and everyone has made our transition so easy, they are just a step above the rest, so to be recognized by them, we’re so happy,” said Grewell after the luncheon.

Bill Hanson, president of Hanson Directory, said he was honored that his company, which was founded by his father Lloyd L. Hanson in his Newton home in 1973, was being recognized at the luncheon.

“It’s a very special thing and to be recognized by your peers is a great honor,” Hanson said. “I only wish my father, the founder of the company, could have been here with us today. He would have been very proud of this.”

Don Fisher received the NDC’s entrepreneur of the year award for his company PDP, which he started with his wife in 1997 in a single-stall garage. Fisher left his job at Maytag in 2000 and began working on his business full time. Today, PDP is located in a 10,000 square foot building and works with companies across the United States.

"It was shocking” Fisher said of the honor. “I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to tell what our company does.”

Kim Didier, executive director of NDC, said the group decided to host the luncheon as a way to thank the local businesses and recognize their contributions to the local economy and the community as a whole.

“This is a way to recognize that fundamentally it’s our existing businesses where 80 to 90 percent of our growth can come from and will happen at,” Didier said following the program. “And it’s a way to say thank you and to share with them our appreciation.”

Sept. 28, 2007
$4 million from participating banks available to local businesses and building owners

The Newton Development Corporation is pleased to announce that in cooperation with First Newton National Bank, Vantus Bank, Community State Bank, and US Bank over 4 million dollars will be made available to local businesses and building owners in Newton.

Businesses or building owners can apply to receive any amount up to $100,000 at a guaranteed 4.9 percent rate with a three-year balloon. The money borrowed can be used for improvements to their buildings, expand their business, or to purchase new equipment.

“We have struggled to identify a way to reward our local existing business owners for their investment in our community. This program does just that! We’re pleased to partner with the local participating banks to provide a long awaited incentive to those who have shown their commitment to our community.” said Bev Price, NDC Chair.

“It’s wonderful that participating banks are supporting our existing businesses and making this money available at a very favorable rate,” said NDC Executive Director, Kim Didier. “Over 80% of our local economic growth will come from our existing business base. Supporting existing businesses is fundamental to our growth strategy, and we thank First Newton National Bank, Vantus Bank, Community State Bank, and US Bank, for their assistance.”

Any business or building owner interested in applying for a loan, just needs to go to the participating bank of their choice with a plan on what the loan will be used for. The money will be available for 1 year, from February 1, 2008 until January 31st 2009, or until the allocated money runs out.

Frank Liebl, Business Development Chair of NDC, said, “A similar program was presented to Newton businesses in 1993 and 94, and at that time 57 loans were made totally nearly 2 million dollars.”

Brochures outlining the program are available at the participating banks, or at the NDC office 600 North 2nd Ave. West.

About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

With wind turbine design, manufacturing and assembly facilities in Germany, Spain, China, Canada and the United States, GE Energy is among the leading providers of wind energy products and support services ranging from commercial wind turbines and grid integration products to project development assistance and operation and maintenance. The company's knowledge base includes the development and/or installation of more than 7,500 wind turbines with a total rated output of more than 9,800 megawatts.

About TPI Composites

TPI Composites (www.tpicomposites.com) is a leading manufacturer of large-scale composite structures for the wind energy, transportation, and military vehicle markets. TPI operates factories in Warren, Rhode Island; Springfield, Ohio; Juarez, Mexico; and Taicang, China.

For more information, contact:

Kristin Schwarz Ken Darling or Howard Masto
GE Energy Masto Public Relations
(518) 385 7343; (518) 786-6488
kristin.schwarz@ge.com
kenneth.darling@ge.com
howard.masto@ge.com

Cindy Sebrell
TPI Composites – Advertising Ventures
(401) 451-4111
csebrell@advertisingventures.com

Brad Anderson
Office of Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge
(515) 281-0146
brad.anderson@iowa.gov

Feb. 2, 2007
New business process center to open in Newton
Caleris announces plans to create up to 300 jobs in Newton

Caleris, an information technology company that specializes in corporate, IT, and product helpdesk services, announced today that it will be opening a new center in Newton.  Caleris also provides business process outsourcing services, including non-traditional web based applications which will be the initial focus of the new work at the Newton center. 

Sheldon Ohringer, CEO of Caleris, estimates that the new center will create 100 new jobs in Newton during the first year of operations, and has plans to add an additional 100-200 jobs by 2009.  “We have chosen Newton as the location of our new center for many reasons.  Newton has a great talent pool of employees, and offers some outstanding office facilities.  Given the needs of our most recent client, we had a very short time frame in which to get our next center up and running.  Newton has offered a turnkey solution for our company which also provides the necessary capacity to grow our operations.”

Caleris is the first new business to lease space in the former Maytag corporate headquarters.  A month ago, Newton officials announced a public and private project to redevelop the area which once housed the Maytag Corporation headquarters.  The public/private partnership provides for Iowa Telecom to purchase the majority of the buildings from Whirlpool and consolidate its existing headquarters operations in one Newton location.  Iowa Telecom’s plans have been to utilize the balance of the space that they do not need as a magnet to attract other employers into the area. 

“The announcement today is a tremendous example of the reason that the community has worked so hard to ensure local ownership of the former Maytag buildings.  Local ownership of the buildings by Iowa Telecom allowed us to work very quickly with Caleris to meet their facility and talent needs.  What is so exciting about this announcement is that it demonstrates Newton’s ability to provide great opportunities to new, existing, and growing businesses,” said Kim Didier, Executive Director, Newton Development Corporation.

Caleris recognized

In the three years that Sheldon Ohringer and Rick Grewell have owned Caleris, the company has been recognized for its innovation and business model of “Outsource to Iowa, not India”.  In 2006, the Greater Des Moines Partnership recognized Caleris as “the best kept secret” and the Technology Association of Iowa gave Caleris its positive community impact award for utilizing local suppliers, instituting positive employment practices and giving back to its communities.

“Quite simply, our difference is our people. Because our centers are located exclusively in Iowa, we have access to the highly educated, stable, committed workforce available in the state. Our clients and their customers benefit by receiving courteous and knowledgeable assistance from our team of Iowa-based associates,” said Rick Grewell, President of Caleris.

The new Newton center will be the third for the growing company.  Existing centers are located in Manning and Jefferson, Iowa.

Jan. 3, 2007
Iowa Telecom and Whirlpool reach agreement on Maytag property transaction
$10 million development plan moves forward

Newton officials were notified today that Iowa Telecom and the Whirlpool Corporation reached an agreement on the terms of the Maytag property transaction, making way for the proposed $10 million public/private project to redevelop the area which once housed the Maytag Corporation headquarters to move forward. 

“The vision of how to move this community forward and the mandate to pursue a bold plan for the community was created a short three months ago on September 21, when 350 community residents came together to say that we can and we should define our own future in a collaborative way,” said Kim Didier, executive director of the Newton Economic Development Corporation. 

Didier continued: “This is an exciting day for Newton. This community partnership builds momentum for sustainable growth and the realization of our vision, our future. The entire scope of the project, once completed, when combining the purchase of the property, donations by Whirlpool and the pledge of State and Federal funding will be more than $10 million, create new jobs, new educational opportunities for our youth and an economic endowment for the community.”

Downtown Newton plans

Iowa Telecom will purchase several buildings located in downtown Newton from Whirlpool Corporation as a part of its continued growth and expansion in the area.  Iowa Telecom will use the facilities to house existing operations, consolidate locations resulting in 100 new jobs to Newton, and also will create approximately 40  new positions to Iowa.

“This transaction allows us the opportunity to bring our corporate operations together in one location.  Not only will we create 40 new jobs, but we also intend to utilize the balance of the space that we do not need as a magnet to help other businesses expand in the area,” said Alan L. Wells, Chairman and CEO of Iowa Telecom. 

Whirlpool plans to transfer two buildings located in the downtown Maytag site to the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). DMACC will convert about 40,000 square feet into a technical and vocational training facility for use by area high school students and citizens.  The training facility may offer automotive repair, electric technologies and other technical and vocational programs as a part of an expanded DMACC offering in Newton. Programs will be identified in cooperation with the local schools districts.

“DMACC operations will serve as a feeder system in which area high school students and residents can be trained and ultimately serve as an important attraction element for employers and businesses across the region,” said Rob Denson, DMACC President.

The balance of the vacant manufacturing space will be eliminated to create green space in the downtown Maytag site.

“We are looking forward to working with the Iowa Telecom, DMACC and our other community development partners to identify adaptive reuse of the buildings vacated by Maytag and Whirlpool Corporation,” said Newton Mayor Pro-Tem, Michael Hansen.  “These former Maytag properties are premium and offer some of the most attractive high-tech space in Iowa.”

Community Development Resources

Mayor Pro-Tem Hansen offered:  “On behalf of the Newton City Council we are pleased to pledge $700,000 to the project.  We want to make sure when we recruit prospects into this community, our downtown looks vibrant and full of opportunity.  This project does just that.  I appreciate the fact Whirlpool Corporation chose to work with the community on how best to use the real estate as a catalyst for a positive direction for our community. The presence of Iowa Telecom and its added jobs, the endowment to be created with the Jasper Community Foundation and the training offered by DMACC will only propel the future growth for our community.” 

Whirlpool Corporation will donate $2.1 million to the Jasper Community Foundation to be used for the education component of the project and in the enhancements necessary to redevelop the downtown site as well as to fund an economic development endowment for the community.  Whirlpool Corporation also will transfer one research and development building and the guest house to the Jasper Community Foundation, whereupon proceeds realized from the sale of these facilities will also be used to support long-term economic development strategies for the community. 

“From the beginning of our relationship with Newton, we pledged to work with the community to find a way to utilize the underlying value of the Maytag real estate to help the community,” said David L. Swift, president, Whirlpool North America.  “Working together with and through the Newton Transformation efforts, we found the community ready to redefine itself and attract new opportunities.”

The Iowa Department of Economic Development last week also awarded $1.25 million from the Brownfield program and $690,000 from the Physical Infrastructure Assistance Program (PIAP) to be used by the City of Newton to improve the downtown site where the original manufacturing plant is located. City of Newton also plans to seek nearly $1.5 million in community development grant funds from the State of Iowa to assist in the project. 

“Since the day Maytag Corporation was acquired by Whirlpool Corporation we pledged our support to the City of Newton,” said Michael Blouin, Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. “We have been amazed at the speed in which the community came together to develop a bold vision for itself and the commitment of community leaders to recreate the community.  We are pleased to be part of assisting Newton in developing the infrastructure they need to move forward with job creation projects.”

The long-term plans of the project require a multitude of applications to various funding sources.  DMACC will not only utilize funds from the Whirlpool donation, but also seek additional federal funds and its own funding to operate the new vocational training facility. 

The Jasper County Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) also is providing $200,000 to the project.  Craig Hamilton, executive director, Jasper County Economic  Development Corporation said, “JEDCO and the Jasper Community is looking forward to partnering with the State of Iowa, Newton Development Corporation, Jasper Community Foundation, DMACC, the City of Newton and others to bring new jobs and educational opportunities to the community.  This project is another great example of how the public and private sectors can cooperate for the mutual benefit of a community.”

“Every successful community has a vision for itself, with the leadership committed to fulfilling it,” said Dan Skokan of the Jasper Community Foundation.  “Our organization is proud to be part of this historic day in Newton and we look forward to serving as a good steward of the funding to bring about long term economic health to our area.”

“I have seen far too many communities shrivel and die when major employers announced they are leaving the area,” said Senator Dennis Black.  “What remains are old buildings that serve as a reminder of what once was.  I am pleased the leaders of Newton have chosen a differing avenue that brings about new growth and new opportunities and a new vision for our area.”

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of significant efforts by local and governmental leaders, and demonstrates the resilience of the Newton community to move forward during the most challenging of circumstances to build a stronger and brighter future,” said State Representative Paul Bell.

In summarizing the day’s news, Didier said, “The community has benefited from and is very appreciative of the full support we have received from many parties including Governor Vilsack, IDED Director Blouin and his staff, the IDED Board, State Representative Bell, State Representative Black, Sen. Grassley, Rep. Boswell and Sen. Harkin, the Newton City Council and staff and many other government officials,” she explained.  “Without their collaboration, we would not be here today. Finally, we thank Iowa Telecom for its leadership in our community, all the community partners for their creativity, and the Whirlpool Corporation for believing in the community and its willingness to work in partnership for the betterment of all.”

Newton Laundry Products Plant Plans

Newton officials were also notified today that Whirlpool has sold the former Maytag manufacturing facilities located in Newton, IA, Galesburg and Herrin, IL, Searcy, AR, and Ranson, WV, together as a package to Industrial Realty Group (IRG) of Los Angeles.

IRG specializes in the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of excess corporate real estate and manufacturing facilities, closed military and government facilities, industrial parks, and large vacant buildings.  IRG is among the largest private owners of industrial properties in the United States and is widely recognized as one of the leaders in repositioning assets through adaptive reuse.

Whirlpool will also lease back the Newton plant as well as the adjacent manufacturing support facilities through February 2008 to ensure proper cleaning and shutdown operations occur as planned.  Whirlpool will continue to operate one of the adjacent manufacturing support facilities for up to five years to support the production of spare parts.  Whirlpool previously announced that the Newton plant will close in the second half of 2007.

“We see significant opportunities in partnering with IRG to combine the availability of space with a skilled and productive workforce and an incredible quality of life resulting in the productive reuse of the former Maytag manufacturing space,” said Bev Price, Chair of the Newton Development Corporation.

About Newton Development Corporation

The Newton Development Corporation (NDC) is a private, non-profit organization focused on economic development in the greater Newton area.  The organization works to enhance employment opportunities, recruit new employers, retain and expand existing employers and strengthen the image of the community by making Newton’s vision come alive.  For more information about NDC, contact Kim Didier, Executive Director at 641-787-8212.


600 N. 2nd Ave W., Suite P
Newton, Iowa 50208
(P) 641-787-8209
(F) 641-787-8211
frankliebl.ndc@gmail.com