The Pella City Council approved a resolution Tuesday supporting a project expanding Lely, Inc. and its North American headquarters in Pella.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is considering a financial incentive package of just under $725,000 this Friday to the robotic milking manufacturer under the authority’s High Quality Jobs plan, which requires a community local match on the state’s five-year industrial tax abatement schedule, equating to roughly $936,000 during that time frame. Council estimates up to 15 new, high-paying jobs will come to the organization through the project.
Lely formally announced their plans this week to grow significantly over the next few years, and indicated they are seeking out a new, larger property to construct a new North American headquarters and production facility in the community.
“We are excited about our future in the dairy industry and believe this expansion is the next step that allows us to continue providing the total solutions North American dairy producers need to create a sustainable future,” said Chad Huyser, Vice President of Lely North America.
The resolution indicates support and an intention to make the match, but a development agreement will still have to be drafted between Lely and the City of Pella at a later date to make the plan official.
