The Greater Des Moines Story: Economic Development

ADR Axles site rendering

A Family-Owned Company With an International Presence Is Looking to Expand Its Workforce in Greater Des Moines

ADR Group is proud of its family roots, a philosophy that will also shape the culture of its future Perry site and the Greater Des Moines area.

“We treat our employees like family,” said Michele Panuccio, Managing Director of ADR Axles USA, Inc., who was recently in Greater Des Moines to prepare for the operational launch of the ADR Axles site planned for 2027.

 

Michele Panuccio headshotMichele Panuccio, Managing Director of ADR Axles USA, Inc.

Founded in Lombardy in 1954, ADR manufactures axles, suspensions and components for the agricultural and industrial sectors. Today, it employs 1,500 people across 14 locations worldwide, including Italy, France, England, Poland, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, the Middle East and South Africa. With operations spanning multiple continents, the company often says that “the sun never sets on the ADR Group.”

To provide greater flexibility and faster delivery times for U.S. customers, ADR decided to establish an operational presence in the United States. In 2025, it announced the construction of a new facility in Perry, which will become the headquarters of ADR Axles USA Inc. The 64,500-square-foot site will start with 35 new employees, with additional expansion planned for the future.

According to Panuccio, the company’s history reflects its genuine commitment to people. Speaking about the development of ADR USA in Perry, he proudly highlighted how the group has successfully built new operations from the ground up in other markets thanks to the contribution of its teams.

“We have built and developed the various ADR Group operations over time together with our people, creating a collaborative, dynamic work environment strongly centered on human relationships,” said Panuccio. “For us, it is essential that everyone who joins ADR finds not only a job, but also real opportunities for growth, continuous learning, daily exchange and the chance to actively contribute to an international project that is constantly evolving.”

Across ADR Group’s international locations, many people choose to build their careers over the long term. However, the company’s goal is not only to retain talent, but also to create motivated teams that are open to innovation and able to empower new generations. Younger employees, too, can develop skills, take on responsibilities, and grow in a modern, technological and stimulating environment.

aerial view of future ADR Axles siteFuture ADR Axles Site in Perry, Iowa

Perry Facility Joins Greater Des Moines Agricultural Hub

With its new Perry facility, ADR USA aims to create an environment where people feel respected, heard and valued. Strong attention is given to human relationships, safety, well-being and the quality of workspaces, with modern facilities designed to support comfort, collaboration and productivity.

ADR makes tangible investments in its people through competitive benefits, training programs, career opportunities, and a company culture that values personal initiative, teamwork and professional growth. Its goal is to attract people who want to join an international, innovative and fast-growing company while actively contributing to the development of ADR’s project in the United States.

Perry proved to be a natural choice for the company’s new location. Greater Des Moines is a key agricultural hub, and ADR identified the strength of the area’s agriculture and advanced manufacturing sectors as a decisive advantage in selecting the site.

“Before choosing Iowa, we evaluated other states,” Panuccio explained. “In the end, we selected Greater Des Moines because we strongly believe in the opportunities this area can offer us.”

During the process that led to this investment, ADR was also impressed by the high level of collaboration among public, private and nonprofit partners, including the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, the City of Perry and other key stakeholders.

ADR logo

The ADR team has already found great openness and ease in building relationships within the city and throughout the region.

The company is accelerating hiring in preparation for the facility’s operational launch in 2027. In the initial phase, ADR is seeking engineering and commercial roles; in the coming months, it also expects to add positions in production, quality control, logistics, administration and maintenance. The decision to build in Perry also represents an important milestone for the economic development of a community marked by tragedy and the closure of a major plant in 2024. ADR looks forward with enthusiasm to a lasting presence in Perry and to playing an active role in the community for decades to come.

Anyone interested in working for ADR Axles in Perry can apply by writing to administration_adrusa@adraxles.com.

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Kyle Oppenhuizen Greater Des Moines Partnership
Kyle Oppenhuizen

Kyle Oppenhuizen is the Vice President of Communications at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.