04/21/2025
Benton Development Group Announces Frontier Co-op Expansion
Benton Development Group has announced the planned expansion of the Frontier Natural Products Co-op’s Belle Plaine facility, creating 16 new jobs and an investment of more than $30 million in Benton County.
According to BDG Executive Director Kate Robertson, the planned expansion shows the importance of close cooperation between the county’s economic development organization, cities, the state government, and local businesses. “Projects like the Frontier Natural Co-op expansion require a close working relationship between businesses and government organizations focused on expanding the tax base and providing employment opportunities. As the county’s economic development agency, we worked alongside Frontier, the City of Belle Plaine, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority to keep jobs in Benton County and to expand opportunities for workers.”
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for companies in Belle Plaine and Perry, which will assist in the creation of 51 jobs and result in nearly $45 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved grants for projects in Dickinson County and Grinnell through the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program and an event in Des Moines through the Sports Tourism Marketing Program. In addition, 33 manufacturers across the state received Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment grants.
Founded in 1976, Frontier Natural Products Co-op is a cooperatively owned wholesaler of natural and organic herbs, spices and essential oil products sold under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic and Aura Cacia brands. The company plans to expand the Belle Plaine facility with the construction of a 90,000-square-foot facility for additional production and warehouse capacity to support continued growth, including service to larger multinational retail corporations. The project represents a capital investment of just over $30 million and is expected to create 16 jobs, of which six are incented at a qualifying wage of $22.18 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.
To access the IEDA’s entire press release visit:
https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2025-04-18/ieda-board-approves-assistance-two-established-companies-three-community-projects-and-manufacturing
Benton Development Group (BDG) is a non-profit organization funded by Benton County and committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Benton County residents. As the county's primary resource for industries seeking new locations, communities looking to grow, and businesses aiming to expand, BDG works closely with local leaders to foster economic development. Governed by a board representing all communities in the county, BDG continues to drive progress and create opportunities that benefit the entire county.
IEDA Board approves assistance for two established companies, three community projects and manufacturing investments
