A local manufacturer has seen significant growth in all aspects of their business — whether it be facilities, sales, or workforce. LDJ Manufacturing hosted leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other local leaders to highlight completion of a 25,000 sq. ft. addition completed in December. President of LDJ Ben Cox says they’ve had rapid growth in their employees that reflects success in their sales of Thunder Creek Equipment, and the expansion has already allowed their production to match that improvement.

LDJ welcomed USDA Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, State Director Theresa Greenfield, and other USDA leadership for a tour, as well leaders of the PACE Alliance, Pella Cooperative Electric, Marion County Bank, Marion County Development Commission, and the City of Pella on Wednesday. The expansion of the manufacturer was financed, in large part, by a $1.5 million low interest loan program facilitated by Pella Cooperative Electric and the USDA.