![[Masthead]](http://www.lemarssentinel.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (1)
Share link
Facebook
Twitter
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Reddit
GoogleIML Containers Iowa, which has been leasing space in Le Mars since it began operation in 2006, is planning to build a 63,000-square-foot facility.
The building will cost nearly $4.7 million, according to the building permit filed with the City of Le Mars.
The new facility will probably be operational in late spring 2009, said IML Plant Manager Steeve Vallée.
"It will be our offices, factory and storage," he said.
IML stands for in-mold labeling injection, a process which forms and labels plastic containers in one swift step.
IML Containers Iowa's building project has been on the radar for some time. Last year, Vallée told the Daily Sentinel that company leaders were watching the market conditions to help shape their decision as to whether to build their own facility in Le Mars.
This, Vallée said, could be the first step in a two-stage process.
"We'll have a second phase eventually for future expansion," he said.
With this project, the City of Le Mars is working with IML to expand the railroad track near the new facility at 1620 24th St. S.W. to accommodate the manufacturer's needs.
Shipping by rail is cheaper for IML than by truck, according to City Administrator Scott Langel.
Adding new rail solidifies IML's long-term presence in Le Mars, he said.
"They're doing things it takes to be competitive in today's market," Langel said.
IML has been operating in a leased facility for 1 1/2 years, he said.
"We're really pleased with IML and their addition to our community," Langel said. "This makes Le Mars their permanent home."
Company leader Nicolas Bouveret said in 2007 that Le Mars was chosen for its strong workforce and because of the relationship between the container company and Wells' Dairy, Inc.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
This is great that we are getting more employers and diversity of business in the area. What concerns me is that the industrial area doesn't have a very effective evacuation access out of the area for safety without going through residential or crossing railroad tracks. The Age Old problem of getting across the tracks when there is a train persists. 24th street would have been an excellent landing for the US-75 bypass access southern connector, keep it up in the air after crossing the river and land it across the tracks. This is still possible but as time goes on it gets messier to do. Currently, there is a potential hazard on the Lincoln Street access points at 12th street and also 6th avenue. Current traffic levels are sustainable but future growth is a problem. The 18th street access point is hard for trucks to get across the tracks with higher speed vehicles on Business 75. Lets plan ahead and avoid a future crisis. Don't build a simple "drive over the tracks" and make another mess; do it right!!!! I applaud the efforts of all involved in negotiating new business prospects, but we need to be taxing a little bit to insure our infrastructure can support it.