Nadicom to Build Ductile Iron Foundry in Iowa City

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Officials from Nadicom (North American Ductile Iron Company) announced plans to locate its first North American ductile iron castings foundry in Iowa City, Iowa.  The project is contingent upon state and local approvals.

The announcement was made at the Iowa Wind Energy Assocation annual conference in Des Moines.  Governor Terry Branstad confirmed the official announcement as part of his opening remarks at the conference:

“In the spirit of today’s conference and embracing the dedication the state has shown in growing our economy through renewable energy, I am pleased to announce that Nadicom, The North American Ductile Iron Foundry has selected our state, specifically Iowa City, to build their first North American manufacturing facility.”

The Nadicom foundry will have the capacity to cast and machine large castings with an initial focus on the wind turbine market.  The $85 million casting facility plans to employ 175.  Nadicom CEO Prasad Karunakaran said multiple factors were considered when choosing this location.

“We plan to build this operation from the ground up and wanted a location that would allow us to leverage our location to maximize productivity,” explained Karunakaran.  “This Iowa City site provided a central location, complete with rail and other logistical considerations, and access to a world-class workforce.”

Karunakaran also commented that utility rates from MidAmerican Energy were very competitive and acknowledged that the state’s 260E job training program with Kirkwood Community College will help bring the latest technologies and methodologies into practice to boost efficiencies.

The Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) Group, the City of Iowa City and the State of Iowa have been in discussions with Nadicom since August of 2010.  “We are working with the City of Iowa City to help Nadicom develop their site plan in the city’s Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus near the Scott Six business park,” said Joe Raso, President of ICAD Group.

Both the city and state have pledged to work with the company to begin operations by 2013, subject to final approvals at the state and city level.

Iowa City City Manager Tom Markus said Nadicom will be a wonderful addition to the Iowa City area.  “We welcome them to Iowa City.  Nadicom’s operations will contribute to the economic growth of our area and help enhance our reputation as a community that supports technology and manufacturing.”