A Century-Old Manufacturing Company Doubles Down on Greater Des Moines With $75 Million Expansion

The next time you walk by a fire hydrant, look at the name on it, and you’ll likely see Clow Valve. Based in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Clow Valve, a McWane, Inc. company, manufactures fire hydrants and waterworks valves that are critical to the infrastructure of communities across the country. The company broke ground on a $75 million expansion project. The project is adjacent to its existing facility in Oskaloosa, Iowa, a community in Greater Des Moines region. 

The dedicated workforce with a strong work ethic is inherent to the fabric of the Oskaloosa community and contributes to the success of Clow Valve.  

“The team’s commitment to excellence feeds into growth,” says Clow Valve General Manager and Vice President, Mark Willett 

Oskaloosa sits at the intersection of major highways and is within 50 minutes of country-spanning Interstate 80, which is advantageous for transporting goods. The cost of doing business in Greater Des Moines is also 12% lower than the national average (Moody’s Analytics).  

A Commitment to DSM for Nearly 150 Years

Clow Valve has a storied history as a key employer generating economic impact within the region. The company’s history dates back to 1878 and this expansion is critical to the long-term success of the company’s operation. It serves to retain more than 400 local jobs. The project, which involves a 36,000-square-foot addition to the company’s existing iron foundry, will benefit from the Iowa High Quality Jobs Program, which provides businesses with assistance to offset the costs associated with building, relocation or expansion. 

Working with partners like the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the City of Oskaloosa provided guidance in obtaining tax credits and putting the expansion deal together. 

“The communities and leadership in the communities are invested in growth and are looking for opportunities,” says Willett. 

Clow Valve's Investment in DSM Will Double Production Output

The current Oskaloosa plant includes iron and brass foundries, a machine shop, assembly, finished goods warehousing, shipping and administrative offices. The expansion, which is being built to accommodate new manufacturing equipment to replace outdated models, is being built alongside the existing foundry so the company can continue to operate while construction and installation take place. Once completed, the project will enable Clow Valve to double its production capacity.

Why Greater Des Moines 

• The region is thriving and vibrant – Affordability and flourishing cultural and recreation scenes attract workforce. (U.S. Census data shows Greater Des Moines is the fastest growing major metro in the Midwest.) It all adds up to a strong quality and a vibrant character of life. 
• Available sites – The Oskaloosa Innovation Park is one of many certified sites in Greater Des Moines. It covers 490 acres and is zoned for general industrial development, prime for advanced manufacturing, biotech industries, warehousing and distribution business. See more available sites in Greater Des Moines.  
• Prime for advanced manufacturing – Over 57,000 manufacturing workers are in the labor shed (Iowa Workforce Development) and Iowa offers tax advantages like no sales, use or property tax on machinery and equipment. 

Grow in Greater Des Moines

Greater Des Moines is the place to build something greater in the advanced manufacturing space. Reach out to Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, to learn more about doing business in Greater Des Moines.