Virnig Manufacturing, a Minnesota-based company specializing in skid steer and compact equipment attachments, will move into the former Independent Can Co. facility in Fort Madison, bringing 35 full-time jobs and an $11 million investment.
Lee County Economic Development Group (LCEDG) announced the project Sunday, with state and local incentives supporting the expansion. Thirty-two of the jobs are incentivized under Iowa’s High Quality Jobs program at a qualifying wage of $21.64 per hour.
Virnig plans to complete the building purchase later this month and begin improvements, with operations expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Independent Can ceased operations in 2023 and worked with LCEDG to market the site. Economic development leaders praised the project as a signal of continued industrial growth in Lee County.
