Plan for Oelwein battery plant gets state support

State financial assistance was approved Friday for Oelwein to hopefully attract a $64 million battery manufacturing plant, distribution center and warehouse.

East Penn Manufacturing of Lyon, Pa., is considering Oelwein for a 318,600-square-foot facility that would employ 350 with a qualifying wage of $13.55 per hour.

The facility would include auxiliary equipment buildings, a fleet service building, and personnel offices. It would involve modifications in road access, water, gas, communication and electrical upgrades to satisfy electrical demand.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded the project $1.75 million in direct financial assistance as well as tax benefits through the state's High Quality Jobs program.

Oelwein City Administrator Jamie Letzring was pleased that the state incentives were approved for the project.

'We are very excited about this prospect possibly choosing Oelwein to build a manufacturing and distribution center,” Letzring said. 'We have been very fortunate to have East Penn as a solid member of our community for many years. We look forward to working with them in the future to make this project happen for Oelwein and northeast Iowa.”

East Penn of Lyon Station, Pa., has been manufacturing batteries and battery accessories since 1946 for the agricultural, automotive, commercial, marine, industrial, stationary, and specialty markets. The company's distribution center at 301 Fifth Ave. SW in Oelwein employs about 75.

In a statement, East Penn Manufacturing said it is evaluating new plans to grow its distribution and lead-acid battery fill, form, and finish capabilities through a facility expansion.

'The company is looking to open a new facility in Oelwein as a strategic location to better reach its customers in the western United States and other key points across North America,” East Penn's statement said. 'This facility would create new jobs and be an extension of the company's already well-established distribution and product delivery network.

'The company looks forward to the prospect of working with local and state agencies as it continues to expand its distribution network and services.”