Concrete wall manufacturer breaks ground for Coralville plant

CORALVILLE - A developer of building systems for commercial and residential concrete construction broke ground Wednesday for a manufacturing plant in Coralville.

Zero Energy Systems is constructing a $7.5 million, 45,000-square-foot facility at 428 Westcor Dr.  Scott Long and Manoj Krishan, the owners of the company, expect the plant to begin production by March 1.

Long and Manoj said the facility will use the company's proprietary concrete wall products and other energy savings technologies to be net-zero. The insulated wall system for commercial and residential use allows for net-zero energy use results while providing disaster resistance and longevity.

Long and Manoj said the structure will be completed by the end of this year, with automated equipment installation and testing beginning in January.

"Two-shift production will require a total of 25 employees to operate the machinery and hiring will begin around March 1,” Long said. "We also are setting up a national certified installer network that will create hundreds of employment opportunities."

Zero Energy Systems will host a ceremony to celebrate the project at 3 p.m., Sept. 18, at 428 Westcor Dr. in Coralville.

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham and city and business leaders are expected to attend and will leave a "lasting impression" by placing their hands in a small tray of cement.  The plaque will be incorporated into the building decoration.

Coralville City Administrator Kelly Hayworth said the Zero Energy Systems project has been active with Iowa City Area Development Group since 2010.

"There were a few dead ends and roadblocks in the beginning, but Scott and Manoj kept pushing," said Hayworth, also a member of the ICAD Group board of directors. "We look forward to a successful future for Zero Energy Systems in Coralville."

Zero Energy Systems products will incorporate raw materials purchased from Iowa suppliers and the finished products  will be shipped to customers throughout the United States.