Business briefs: Hormel confirms Dubuque expansion plans
Dubuque is officially the winner of a planned $36 million expansion by Hormel Foods.
The Austin, Minn.-based food producer confirmed its expansion plans Tuesday, according to the Greater Dubuque Development Corp. Hormel will bring 91 jobs to the city, where it will expand its Progressive Processing facility.
Hormel will move the production of its bacon topping products to the facility. That move is expected to be complete by summer.
Late last year, the Iowa Economic Development Authority approved a set of state incentives to bring Hormel to Dubuque, including $240,000 in loans and $2 million in tax credits.
To receive that state aid, Hormel has to create 91 jobs with a starting wage of $16.44 an hour, which has to rise to $19.73 an hour within three years.
The authority also approved the city's application to provide Hormel with a $4.1 million incentives package of its own.
Alcoa finishes $300M Davenport expansion
Alcoa, a major aluminum producer, has completed a $300 million expansion to a facility in Davenport, the company announced Tuesday.
The Pittsburgh-based company said the expansion is set to create 150 full-time jobs. The company said 150 jobs were created during the expansion's construction phase.
Alcoa also said the facility is dedicated to producing aluminum sheet products for the automotive industry.
Union opposes D.M. airport's firefighting plan
A local union is protesting the Des Moines International Airport's proposal to hire a private company to provide firefighters on the airfield.
Airport officials have recommended hiring Pro-Tec Fire Services Ltd., of Green Bay, Wis. The airport authority board decided Tuesday to table the vote on a contract with Pro-Tec until next month's board meeting.
Danny Homan, president of Iowa Council 61 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, came out against the proposal Tuesday, questioning Pro-Tec's safety record at other airports.
"Outsourcing fire and EMS services at the airport would put lives at risk," Homan said.
Officials from Pro-Tech were not available for comment Tuesday.
The Iowa National Guard had provided firefighting services for free in exchange for use of the airport. Airport Executive Director Don Smithey said the guard was asked to bid for the firefighting contract but declined.