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Washington Evening Journal
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Elevate Iowa tour bus visits Fairfield
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FAIRFIELD – Members of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry visited Fairfield on Oct. 9 for an Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour.
The tour, a statewide initiative to celebrate Iowa’s manufacturing industry, stopped at three locations in town, showcasing local manufacturers and educational programs. The three stops were Weaton Companies, Dexter Laundry, and Agri-Industrial Plastics. Members of ABI, who were visiting Fairfield in a big tour bus advertising Elevate Iowa, met with representatives of each business, learned about the products and services they offer, and the educational opportunities available to employees.
After the tours, ABI President Nicole Crain hosted a panel discussion featuring:
- Nate Weaton – Weaton Companies
- Katie Six – Dexter Laundry
- Lori Schaefer-Weaton – Agri-Industrial Plastics
- Matt Thompson – Indian Hills Community College
Dexter Laundry’s Vice President of Operations Cory Westphal led one of the tour groups around the floor, showing guests the advanced machinery used to produce the company’s commercial washers and dryers. He said the company produces 55-65 washers per day, and sells into 70 countries. He said foreign competition has been on the rise in the past four or five years, ever since pandemic-era supply interruptions made it more challenging for Dexter to sell overseas.
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
