TPI celebrates 10 years in Newton

Every milestone is significant for a company in an ever-changing business world. TPI Composites recently celebrated 10 years in Newton, having joined the community at a time when it was needed most.

“The effect TPI has on this community can’t be measured in just a few words. They brought back life to a community that many thought would never recover from the loss of Maytag,” Frank Liebl, executive director of the Newton Development Corporation, said. “TPI is a great corporate citizen, management personnel serves on various boards throughout the community, and the amount of community service provided by TPI employees is staggering. The growth in housing, retail sales and the overall economy is due in part to TPI, Newton’s largest employer.”

With more than 1,000 employees, the largest U.S.-based independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for the high-growth wind energy market supporting global wind turbine manufacturers does more than just produce blades. Through a variety of avenues, the people of TPI are making an impact in the community each and every day.

“TPI Composites goes above and beyond for their associates who live and work in our community and the surrounding area. They encourage their associates to get involved in the community by volunteering at different events, getting involved in different organizations, and giving back to those in need,” Newton Mayor Mike Hansen said. “One example that stands out is with a number of their associates living in the Marshalltown, Pella and Bondurant areas, TPI and the associates came together to package over 45 totes with water, snacks, trash bags, cleaning supplies and other helpful items. TPI has also provided information on work shifts, DART transportation, opportunities to volunteer and much more.”

From building a 316,000 square foot facility in Newton in 2008 to expanding its operations by 100,000 square feet in the former Maytag Plant 2 to manufacture composite bus bodies last year, TPI is continuing to grow in Newton along with adding hundreds more employment opportunities.

“Opening a facility in Newton is a real positive thing,” Liebl said. “Job growth in the community is in part from companies that are already here and that is so positive for the city of Newton.”

With clean energy on the rise, TPI is continuing to move forward both in the community and the industry.

“TPI has more than five decades of innovation and expertise in manufacturing large-scale composite structures of the highest quality at a competitive total delivered cost to our customers,” TPI Employment and Staffing Manager Reggie McDade said. “Our advanced composites manufacturing technology allows us to build near aerospace grade parts at industrial prices. TPI’s advanced composite technology and manufacturing expertise have also been applied to create first-of-their-kind composite solutions in the transportation markets. TPI Iowa Operations has been in the community since 2008 and growing that entire time.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com