Wyffels Hybrids seed company plans to expand to Ames' Prairie View Industrial Park

Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune
·2 min read

Seed corn company Wyffels Hybrids will expand to a site in Ames, with plans to break ground in the spring.

Wyffels’ expansion was sparked by nine years of sales growth, the company said in a news release.

“Our western business has been a critical part of our growth for many years and we’re excited about taking this step towards the future,” Jacob Wyffels, vice president of production, said in the release.

The new facility will be located on about 150 acres near Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30. Union Pacific Railroad serves the area with an east-west double track.

More:Ames City Council accepts $6.1 million bid for Prairie View 'super' industrial park infrastructure

Wyffels Hybrids will locate on approximately 150 acres of the Prairie View Industrial Park. Located near Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30, the industrial park will also give businesses railway access and proximity to the interstate. The park is expected to generate $30 million in private investment. Contributed photo/Courtesy of Ames Chamber of Commerce

The land is part of the Prairie View Industrial Center, a 730-acre stretch that was certified as Iowa’s second “super park” in 2019.

“We are thrilled with this announcement. The first company to land in the new Prairie View Industrial Center, with the prominent brand of Wyffels Hybrids, is such a great win for the Ames region,” Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames Economic Development Commission, said in the release. “This company perfectly aligns with some of the core strengths of Iowa State University and our board of directors could not be more pleased. We are grateful that the Wyffels family has selected our community to make this investment and create meaningful employment opportunities.”

Culhane said Prairie View — which is a collaboration among Alliant Energy, the city of Ames and the Ames Economic Development Commission — created a perfect scenario to draw a company like Wyffels.

“The timing could not be better as the utility extensions were just completed in this new, promising area, for industrial development,” Culhane said in an emailed statement. “We express gratitude to Wyffels for choosing Ames and appreciation to both Alliant Energy and the City of Ames for helping set the table for future economic development in our market.”

Dan Culhane
Dan Culhane

The first phase of Wyffels’ construction will include a new warehouse and distribution center to bring seed closer to customers in Iowa, southern South Dakota and southern Minnesota, the release said.

Wyffels’ leadership expects future expansion to include seed corn production capabilities, enhanced research and corn breeding functions, agronomic demonstration opportunities, and meeting and training resources for employees and customers.

Geneseo, Illinois-based Wyffels is purchasing the land from Alliant Energy, which secured the property in the Prairie View area.

Wyffels Hybrids said it plans to begin shipping from the Ames site in the spring of 2024.

Ronna Faaborg covers business for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Wyffels Hybrids plans new site in Ames