PERRY, Iowa — An Italian manufacturer may build a new facility in Perry, creating new jobs and boosting the local economy by millions.

The Perry City Council unanimously approved ADR Axle‘s request to open a new plant in town. The company is based in Milan and makes axles, braking systems, and suspensions for agricultural and industrial machines.

They’re hoping to open their North American Headquarters in the southern edge of the Perry. At the council meeting, officials said ADR will spend $14.3 million to create a new 54,000-square-foot facility in the eastern edge of the Perry Industrial Park.

“This is a company that’s family owned, third generation. It’s very vocal about how well they treat their workers, which is part of the reason why they chose to be in a new construction space versus an existing building somewhere else,” said Sid Juwarker, the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, who helped Perry secure this opportunity.

While representatives for ADR were visiting Des Moines, Juwarker spontaneously brought them to Perry. This effort was proven to be impactful.

Juwarker said this was a competitive project that multiple states were eyeing. However, Iowa was ultimately chosen because the company wanted to be part of Perry’s community.

This testament doesn’t surprise local business owners, like Emily Leslie.

“The Perry community has so much to offer and, a lot of times, if you live in Perry, you know that but it’s the people outside that are now hearing about all the great things that Perry is doing,” she said.

Leslie and her family moved to Perry over a decade ago. She opened her business, Backward Boutique, in the town’s downtown, and she said the community is what makes her stay.

ADR’s Perry plant will provide 35 jobs for the community, 12 of which will meet or exceed $31.10 per hour.

ADR’s Iowa Representative, Jon Callen, also attended the Perry City Council Meeting. He said, “[ADR is] committed to the worker, higher quality jobs, great wages, and they’re committed to growing the business in Perry.”

This comes after 1,200 people were laid off last year when Tyson Foods closed its Perry plant.

“With news from last year and Tyson closing, this is great news in terms of being able to attract business to town and being able to attract workers,” said the Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, Lynsi Pasutti.

Pasutti said the news of the new plant is sparking excitement among residents and business owners.

Construction for the new plant will start later this year and will be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027.