Bondurant, Iowa is poised for significant economic growth following the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) approval of incentives for Vermeer Corporation to build a new $102.65 million production facility. The project, announced Friday, is expected to create more than 300 jobs and further solidify Vermeer’s presence in the state, demonstrating a broader trend of manufacturing investment in Iowa. The Vermeer expansion represents the first major awards distributed through the state’s new Business Incentives for Growth (Large) program.
The IEDA board approved over $5.13 million in incentives for Vermeer, a family-owned manufacturer of agricultural and industrial equipment serving customers in over 100 countries. The new 300,000-square-foot facility will be built on 186 acres in Bondurant, and will support the increasing demand for Vermeer’s products. According to the company, the jobs created will offer an average wage of $35.11 per hour. This investment follows Vermeer’s opening of a Des Moines operation three years ago, which currently employs 143 people.
Expanding Iowa’s Manufacturing Footprint
The Vermeer project is part of a larger wave of investment in Iowa’s manufacturing sector. Alongside Vermeer, the IEDA board approved incentives for four other companies on Friday, totaling $268.2 million in new capital investment and 536 jobs across the state. Arconic US LLC, CCB Packaging, LMI US LLC (operating as Revolution Concrete Mixers), and Sewer Equipment Company of America were as well awarded incentives through the BIG program. The BIG program, approved by the Iowa Legislature in 2025, aims to strengthen Iowa’s economic competitiveness through tax benefits for capital investment and job creation.
“The jobs at Vermeer in manufacturing, and the upstream jobs in manufacturing that Vermeer creates through increased supplier demand, yields significant job benefits to the communities around our manufacturing ecosystem,” the IEDA report stated, highlighting the broader economic impact of the project. The IEDA anticipates the project will have an “inordinate effect” on the state’s gross domestic product.
Bondurant’s Role and Local Investment
The city of Bondurant is contributing significantly to the project, committing over $29.45 million in incentives. These include a six-year sliding scale property tax abatement, infrastructure improvements, and waivers for connection fees and building permits. City Administrator Marketa Oliver described the Vermeer project as a “game-changer” for the community, noting that it will be located on the Timmins Certified Site, adjacent to Interstate 80.
The location on the Timmins Certified Site is strategic, opening up 500 acres for future industrial development. The city is also investing in a new road to the site, benefiting both Vermeer and the general public. Oliver emphasized that the project will help diversify Bondurant’s tax base, creating a better balance between commercial, industrial, and residential revenue streams. Upon completion, Vermeer will become the third-largest private employer in Bondurant, trailing only Amazon’s distribution and sortation centers.
A Legacy of Growth
Vermeer’s expansion builds on a period of sustained growth for the company. Since 2016, Vermeer has expanded its operations across the globe, including a 135,000-square-foot expansion at Vermeer MV Solutions in Greenville, South Carolina, a 312,000-square-foot Global Parts Distribution Center in Pella, and operational improvements in Goes, Netherlands. The company has also increased its ownership in a manufacturer in Queensland, Australia. Jason Andringa, President and CEO of Vermeer, expressed pride in the company’s legacy, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of this business my grandfather, Gary Vermeer, began 78 years ago and the team doing the work to equip Vermeer customers around the world.”
The IEDA will continue to monitor the progress of the Vermeer project and other BIG program recipients. The next update on the program’s impact is expected in the IEDA’s quarterly report, scheduled for release in May 2026.
Share your thoughts on this economic development in the comments below.
