The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), in collaboration with its Rural Electric Cooperative partners, proudly honored six growing Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting.
One of the honorees of this legacy award is Ihle Fabrications, LLC, nominated by Midland Power Cooperative.
Ihle Fabrications was started on a family farm in Central Iowa in 2002 by brothers Mike and Brian Ihle. The brothers began fabricating liners as a solution to issues they faced with their combines. They recognized the growing demand for their products and, in July 2021, relocated to an existing facility of 45,000 sf. with additional ground between Slater and Polk City. An expansion project of 82,000 sf. began in August of this year. The expansion will accommodate an increase in demand for the existing line of parts, along with an expanding line of wearable steel parts for machinery used in agriculture. Ihle’s products are sold in 38 states and internationally in Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
As of June 2022, Ihle Fabrications became a Certified CNH Reman Supplier for one part. This relationship significantly expanded in mid-2023 to include an additional 140 parts. Ihle Fabrications is committed to continued work alongside farmers and end-users to help solve problems of the future.
In addition to providing power to Ihle Fabrications, Midland Power Cooperative, and Central Iowa Power Cooperative assisted with a passthrough loan(s) from the UDSA REDL&G program to augment the purchase of equipment to support its expanding operation.
"Ihle Fabrications embodies the pioneering spirit of Iowa's business community, originating on a family farm and evolving into a dynamic company providing agricultural solutions serving the local community and its growing global footprint,” said IADG President/CEO Bruce Nuzum. “The ongoing expansion project is a testament to Ihle Fabrications' commitment to meeting the growing demand for their products."
Additional Iowa Venture Award recipients include:
Centro, Incorporated – Hampton
HiPer Ceramics – Spirit Lake
M3 Fabrication, LLC - Bloomfield
Post Equipment Company, LLC – Rock Valley
Cold-Link Logistics, Sioux City - Outstanding Business of the Year
Photo Caption: (left to right) David Speed, Midland Power; Rick Thompson, Midland Power Board; Mike Naig, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture; Bruce Nuzum, President/CEO, IADG, Tracy Ihle, Ihle Fabrications; Mike Ihle, President, Ihle Fabrications; Sarah Hoodjer, Ihle Fabrications; Doug Bass, CEO, Ihle Fabrications; Bill McKim, CEO, Midland Power Cooperative; Mike Coleman, Board President, Midland Power
