The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board has approved state incentives for two companies—Eco Lips and Simmons Pet Food—with the promise of the creation of 284 new jobs.
The projects are located in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Simmons Pet Food to establish operation in Dubuque
The IEDA board approved $3.3 million in tax credits for Simmons Pet Food Inc, as well as an $800,000 forgivable loan.
Simmons Pet Food, Inc. (Simmons) is the largest co-manufacturer and private label pet food maker in North America. Simmons manufactures wet and dry pet food for dogs and cats and pet treats for dogs.
The company plans to increase its wet pet food production capacity with the purchase of a building and equipment for a new operation, followed by a second canning line and a 75,000 square foot expansion of the distribution center and warehouse.
The project is expected to create 271 jobs, of which 206 are incented at a qualifying wage of $20.49 per hour.
Eco Lips to expand in Cedar Rapids
The board approved $238,000 in tax credits for Eco Lips Inc.
Eco Lips manufactures and distributes nationally recognized lip products under the Eco Lips label, which can be found in over 10,000 retail locations and through e-commerce platforms. The company also offers full-service manufacturing for private label and contract manufacturing customers with turn-key packaging and fulfillment solutions.
With plans to purchase an existing facility in Cedar Rapids, Eco Lips will more than double the manufacturing and warehouse space to accommodate growth and expansion.
The project will represent a capital investment of close to $5.6 million and will create 13 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $23.20 per hour.
