ALTOONA, IOWA — Associated Bank has arranged an $84 million loan for the construction of a 622,788-square-foot heavy manufacturing facility in Altoona. Enclave is the developer and borrower. The loan was arranged and led by Associated Bank as administrative agent with syndicate lenders First National Bank of Omaha and Wintrust Financial.
The financing represents one of the larger industrial construction packages in central Iowa this year and underscores growing demand for advanced manufacturing space across the Midwest. The project will support expanded production capacity for Robinson Inc., a Wisconsin-based manufacturer serving national energy and industrial clients.
.webp)
The project is a build-to-suit for Robinson Inc. to provide flexible production capacity for metal bending, large format cutting, metal forming, welding, fabricating and assembly, and electrical integration. Marking its first manufacturing facility outside of Wisconsin, Robinson will now have close to 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space across Wisconsin and Iowa to better serve its energy sector customers.
The City of Altoona is investing $9 million for infrastructure improvements, and Robinson will invest $76 million for upgrades. The plant will create more than 100 new jobs when completed in early 2027.
Local officials have promoted the development as a major economic win that will diversify the region’s employment base and strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing. The infrastructure commitment from the city will include roadway enhancements, utility extensions and site preparation designed to support long-term industrial growth around the corridor.
.webp)
Valor Contracting, a division of Enclave, is the general contractor. John Rent of Associated Bank handled the loan arrangements and closing.
Industry observers say Robinson’s decision to expand beyond Wisconsin reflects broader trends reshaping domestic manufacturing. Companies are increasingly seeking centrally located facilities with modern layouts capable of handling large-format production and complex assembly work.
The Altoona plant is expected to feature high-bay space, heavy power capacity and specialized equipment foundations tailored to Robinson’s operations. Once online, the facility will allow the company to reduce shipping times to customers throughout the Plains and Mountain West while adding redundancy to its supply chain.
Enclave, which has developed a growing portfolio of industrial and commercial properties across the region, said the build-to-suit structure ensured the project was designed specifically around Robinson’s long-term operational needs. Associated Bank’s syndicated loan provided the scale and flexibility required to move the project forward despite elevated construction costs and interest rates.
With completion targeted for early 2027, hiring and equipment installation are expected to begin late next year. Local economic development groups anticipate additional supplier and logistics activity to follow as the plant ramps up production.
Originally reported by Rebusiness Online.
.webp)
