NIS to expand in North Liberty, add 40 jobs

A Davenport-based third-party logistics company plans to expand in North Liberty by leasing the former River Bend Industries building and hiring about 40 additional employees.

NIS Inc. provides contract assembly, inventory management, warehousing and distribution services. The company now employs 95 in a 55,000-square-foot leased space in North Liberty.

Randy McDonald, executive officer of NIS, said the company will gradually move from the former Maytag distribution center building in North Liberty into its new location as River Bend Industries moves out.

The move will provide NIS with about double the space it now leases, open up new opportunities for the company to grow, McDonald said.

“It's a beautiful facility,” McDonald said. “We're execited about it. We can't wait to get over there and get things up and running.”

NIS now employs 95 people operating in 55,000 leased square feet in its current facility in North Liberty. Although NIS expects to hire about 40 more, McDonald said that hiring isn't likely to begin until the March or April of 2011. The exact positions needed and their wage rates haven't been determined, he said.

As a third-party logistics provider, McDonald said NIS performs some assembly work for its customers and handles parts ordered with long lead times from manufacturers, delivering them to the customer on a daily or weekly basis as needed.

“NIS is a valued member of our business community and we're excited to see them expanding their operations in our town,” said Tracey Mulcahey, Assistant City Administrator for North Liberty. “We welcome them to their new location and look forward to their continued growth in North Liberty.”

River Bend Industries, based in Forth Smith, Ark., manufactures plastic components in the building. It recently announced plans to consolidate its North Liberty operations into its other Eastern Iowa plant in Victor.

ICAD Group President Joe Raso said that with River Bend Industries relocating to Victor, it is encouraging to see a local employer lease this space and expand their operations.

“NIS has a strong reputation of providing valuable services to customers in the Corridor and throughout the Midwest,” said Raso. “This expansion enhances our area's reputation as a leader in logistical support services for advanced manufacturing.”

Dennis Jordan, Priority One Vice President of Economic Development, anticipates NIS filling these 40 positions quickly.

“The skill sets and work ethic of our labor market will make for a smooth transition,” Jordan said. “NIS is an innovative leader in their field and regarded as a quality employer.”

NIS, founded in 1995, also employs 40 people in its 54,000 square foot Davenport facility.