Project News

New Projects and Expansions

WebFilings
January 2010
Web Filings LLC, a software developer, was formed in August 2008 and has opened an operations center in the Iowa State University Research Park. The company is developing a Web based application to automate and improve the drafting process of Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filings for public companies. While the company is headquartered in the Silicon Valley, WebFilings chose Ames for the company’s operations center. Several WebFilings founders were familiar with the Ames community from their previous experience with Engineering Animation Inc. and knew Ames was the right place to find the employees with the skills needed for their new company. The company already employs over 30 professionals and plans to create in excess of 60+ additional jobs in the next number of months. WebFilings hopes to hire several hundred professionals in marketing and customer service over the next 4 years in Ames. The Iowa Department of Economic Development, City of Ames, Ames Economic Development Commission, and other local investment groups see the possibilities in WebFilings and have awarded and invested over $1 million dollars.WebFilings understands that the Ames community has the right quality workers which are required to be part of a new and growing company.


Ag Leader Technology, Inc.
February 2008
Ag Leader Technology, Inc., a recent recipient of a 2008 Value-Added Agricultural Products and Processes Financial Assistance Program (VAAPFAP) and High Quality Jobs Creation (HQJC) program from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), plans to add at least 58 employees to its Ames-based company over the next three years, with a potential of up to 80 new jobs. The company currently employs 155 in the Ames facility, which includes management and administration, research & development, manufacturing, and packaging/shipping functions. Additionally, Ag Leader is planning a 98,000-square foot addition to its already 54,000-square foot premises in Ames, where the company manufactures and distributes precision farming hardware and software systems. This $6-million facility expansion is expected to begin in March 2008 with occupancy in December 2008.  Watch a video, courtesy of KCCI, or read more about Ag Leader's plans for expansion...







Colorbiotics - Becker Underwood
August 2007
In the United States, 86% of homeowners landscape, while 28% of those homeowners use mulch.  Over the past 10 years, the demand for colored mulch in landscaping has seen exponential growth, starting from zero and becoming 12% of the U.S. mulch market.

Colorbiotics, a Becker Underwood business unit formed by Jeff Becker and Roger Underwood in 1982, is capitalizing on this growing market.  The company is the largest manufacturer of landscape coatings in the world and its products can be used to add color to mulch, sand, and aggregate used in landscape applications. 

Because of rapid growth, Becker Underwood recently announced plans to build a new 140,000 square foot building to house the Colorbiotics business unit.  The $11 million expansion will create 26 new jobs.






Phasient Learning Technologies
July 2007
Phasient Learning Technologies, a recent recipient of a 2007 CEBA loan from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, plans to add 26 employees to its Ames-based company over the next three years, more than tripling the size of the company.

Phasient provides high-quality eLearning products and services to corporate clients such as Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Intermec Technologies, GuideOne Insurance, and Kemin Industries.








Renewable Energy Group
April 2007
One of the nation's largest players in the biodiesel industry announced they will locate their corporate headquarters to Ames.  The Renewable Energy Group will move their corporate operations from Ralston, Iowa to Ames and grow their current workforce of 70 people to nearly 300 by 2010.

According to the company, the move will put REG closer to research partners at Iowa State University and business partners including the construction and engineering company Todd & Sargent.  The company's anticipated investment in Ames is expected to be over $2 million.






Quality Attributes Software
November 2006
Quality Attributes Software, Inc. (QAS), a software application developer for the Intelligent Building and Renewable Energies Industries, is located in Ames.  Through the help of the Ames Community Development and CEBA program, QAS has completed several large projects this year including public libraries, hotels, universities, and even the world's largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot.  QAS has gained national recognition and exposure through these many projects.