Clinton, IA – (May 21, 2021) The Clinton Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) is proud to announce two more economic development projects, both local expansions, in the City of Clinton. After reaching the #1 spot on Site Selection magazine’s 2020 rankings for per capita industrial projects along the Mississippi River Valley Corridor, the CRDC is working hard to maintain that position. Today, two projects received approval for state incentives during the monthly Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board meeting.
In Clinton, Spiber America LLC, a subsidiary of Spiber Inc., is a biotech startup that produces lab-grown proteins such as spider silk for use in clothing and other consumer products. In November 2020, Spiber announced that it will combine its technology with ADM’s infrastructure and expertise. The two companies have partnered to modify and expand equipment at ADM’s biorefinery in Clinton. Today, IEDA awarded ADM an investment tax credit of $1 million for its role in this project, which includes machinery and equipment valued at $27.6 million and the creation of 48 jobs. Last year, Spiber Inc. was awarded $1 million through the state’s High-Quality Jobs (HQJ) Program. The joint project represents a $101.4 million capital investment.
“We’re proud of our unmatched fermentation technology, and we’re excited to partner with Spiber to bring those capabilities together with our engineering expertise and long value chain to create plant-based polymers that will go into everything from clothes to car seats,” said Ian Pinner, ADM’s chief strategy and innovation officer and president of the company’s Health & Wellness division. “We’re equally excited to bring this job-creating project to the Clinton region, a community that is home to nearly 900 ADM colleagues.”
Meanwhile, Big River Packaging, a well-respected local business that produces customized cardboard boxes, received a $237,750 state incentive package for its upcoming expansion in Clinton, IA. “I am thankful for the organizations and people who have helped get us to where we are today. I am especially grateful for our employees who genuinely care about the business, our customers, and one another,” said Bob Simpson, Big River Packaging President. In 2006, after being in business for just one year, Big River Packaging [BRP] began selling boxes online (brpboxshop.com) as an experiment. That experiment was a success and has since resulted in the growing company’s need for more space to manufacture and ship the bakery boxes that have become their niche. Over the next few months, BRP’s current 88,000 SF factory will be expanded by a third, and 5 additional loading docks will be added, giving BRP’s 54 employees a more optimized workflow throughout the plant.
Clinton is located in easternmost Iowa along the Mississippi River. It is home to dozens of manufacturing companies, including ADM, LyondellBasell, Custom-Pak, Nestle Purina PetCare, Sethness Roquette and many others. There is land available at the rail-served Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park (an Iowa Certified Site for heavy industry) and the Lyons Business & Technology Park (light industry/R&D). Please contact Erin Cole for more information: (563) 242 – 4536 or e-mail ecole@clintondevelopment.com
