New Manufacturer Opens in Tipton's Shovel Ready Park

A growing company that began operations in May will be the newest addition to the shovel ready Tipton Business Park.  Stuefen Manufacturing builds and installs Powerlift Hydraulic doors, marketing them largely for agricultural use, business and airport hangars. The firm is a franchise of Rick’s Welding, Inc. of Lake Benton, Minnesota.  Owners Mike and Julie Stuefen say they selected Tipton for its central location, friendly business climate and quality of life.

“We love it here,” said Mike Stuefen, “and business is booming.”

Currently operating about 5 miles east of Tipton on Highway 130, Stuefen Manufacturing is relocating to the east end of the business park this fall. “The Tipton Economic Development Corporation is excited to welcome another business to our growing industrial park,” said TEDCO board president Eric Newton.  “Another plus is having Stuefen Manufacturing on the east side of the park because it will further enhance future expansion into the park.” 

TEDCO was the first economic development organization in the state to have its business park certified shovel ready through ICAD Group’s Shovel Ready Iowa program. Sites that receive this certification must meet or exceed multiple criteria and standards regarding the development potential for commercial or industrial facilities. “This is a win-win-win,” added TEDCO director Scott Sanborn. “The Stuefens’ business is growing rapidly and their move to our business park will give them room to expand even more.  The fact that it’s happening only 6 months after the park’s certification and the company’s move to Tipton should speak volumes to those who are searching for similar opportunities.” 

Acting on a recommendation by the Tipton Development Commission the Tipton City Council approved a $10,000 revolving fund loan to help Stuefen Manufacturing cover start-ups costs and already the company has hired 3 additional full-time employees and 1 part-time worker. “If we keep growing at this pace we could double our workforce within the next year,” said Julie Stuefen.

Stuefen Manufacturing will occupy a 10,000 square foot facility on approximately 2.3 acres.

The Tipton Business Park is located on Iowa Highway 38, 9 miles north of Interstate 80.