Branstad visits Red Oak
RED OAK - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad learned a little about coffee bags after touring Fresco in Red Oak last week.
Branstad toured the printing industrial plant Wednesday, one of several stops he made in Southwest Iowa.
“I knew coffee was a big business, and it’s even bigger than I imagined,” Branstad said after touring the facility. “My son is a big Dunkin’ Donuts coffee fan and I found it interesting to learn those bags are made right here in Red Oak Iowa.”
Plant Manager Jim Keil discussed the company’s growth from one press, one slitter and 10 employees to 90 employees, three presses and three slitters in less than 15 years. In addition to Dunkin’ Donuts, the Red Oak plant also produces bags for other well known brands such as Starbucks, Caribou, Red Diamond and McDonalds.
With a 110,000 square-foot facility on a 25-acre parcel, Keil said there are several markets where they can continue to expand, including pet food, seed and fertilizer bags, beverage and wet food, and freeze dried food.
However, he said finding employees can be a challenge in the current economy.
“We have a 3.3 percent unemployment rate,” he said. “So how do you find people who already have a job? That’s a real challenge for us in Red Oak.”
Branstad discussed various state sponsored training program available, adding his own remarks about the work going on at Fresco.
“This is a very capital intense company, but obviously they have done a great job and are very environmentally conscious,” Branstad said. “And they are doing a great job training employees. I’m just really impressed with what’s going on there.”
Branstad also presented a proclamation to Keil commemorating Fres-co’s upcoming 15 year anniversary. Keil invited Branstad to the employee and family celebration planned for Oct. 3.
Branstad also visited the Fremont County Law Enforcement Center in Sidney, Loess Hills Harley Davidson in Pacific Juntion, CHI Health in Corning, Ferrara Candy Company in Creston, Phoenix Closures in Davenport and Altec in Osceola.