Manufacturing continues to grow in Southeast Iowa. Afinitas, formerly known as HawkeyePedershaab, has been part of the Mediapolis community for nearly 80 years. Jason Banwart, Director of technical Sales and Local Site Leader, was proud to share the details of the expansion.
“So at Afinitas, we produce the equipment that makes concrete precast products, such as pipe, manholes, box culverts. So as you’re driving along the road with all the construction going on right now, and you see like the concrete pipe and the box culverts sitting beside the road, we make the machinery and the molds and the tooling to produce those products. It’s a really technical type of solution that we provide, and it takes highly skilled people across all of our departments to pull that off.”
Afinitas has announced plans to expand and modernize its facility in Mediapolis, representing a roughly 12-million-dollar investment in advanced manufacturing.
The project will add about 30,000 square feet of new space and upgrade existing operations with modern technology and automation.
“Mediapolis has been really a core part of Afinitas for nearly 80 years. It’s our largest site, has a very skilled workforce, and it already supports a really wide range of what we produce. And so as our customer demand grows, it just made sense to expand right here. We have the people, we have the experience and the infrastructure to support our long-term growth and goals.”
While company officials say a firm number of new jobs has not yet been finalized, the expansion is expected to create opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, and administrative roles—while also helping retain and attract skilled workers to the region.
The company also expects the project to have a ripple effect on the local economy, with plans to use local contractors and suppliers during construction.
“This expansion is really, it’s going to result in a better and a safer and a more efficient workplace. And it’s going to provide new opportunities for training and career growth and long-term stability. So we’re excited about what it’s going to do for the city of Mediapolis, for our team members, and for the Southeast Iowa region.”
Taylor Collins, Executive Director of Economic Development for the Greater Burlington Partnership and House Representative shared the impact this expansion will have on Southeast Iowa.
“Well, the partnership was proud to partner with the Afinitas to help get this expansion of the finish line. You know, Afinitas has long been a staple employer for Des Moines County, and today’s announcement really further reinforces that. This is going to be a $12 million expansion that we were able to get done with the help of luckily the City of Mediapolis and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. But this investment is especially important for the Mediapolis families that rely on Afinitas and really is going to be a benefit for generations to come. It’s not Every day, you see a town of 1,700 people see an investment of this size, $12 million, 30,000 additional square feet added to the facility, at least 15 new jobs. I think that’s going to be on the low end. And so just really great news for Des Moines County, Minneapolis today.”
Construction is expected to begin in late summer of 2026 and wrap up by the end of 2027.