Calcium Products plans will double production

Area officials applaud new expansion

By JESSE HELLING, Messenger staff writer

Expansions of a local business were lauded by Fort Dodge civic officials Thursday as indicative of trends toward a stronger local economy.

Calcium Products Inc. recently announced plans to expand its Fort Dodge facility, located at 2063 Quail Ave.

Production in the plant, which manufactures pelletized gypsum primarily for agricultural applications, is scheduled to double by 2008, according to company owner Larry Moore.

Dennis Plautz, director of business affairs and community growth for the city, congratulated Calcium Products’ efforts at a reception held at the Fort Dodge Municipal Building Thursday.

More than 20 people, invited due to their involvement with economic development, according to Plautz, were on hand Thursday.

Plautz identified Calcium Products as a ‘‘multiplier’’ business that can expand and improve the economy.

Calcium Products obtains gypsum for its products from National Gypsum in Fort Dodge, according to Moore — thereby creating positive development in related businesses as well.

On Monday, members of the Fort Dodge City Council approved a 10-year tax abatement on the plant addition, as consistent with an urban revitalization plan adopted by the city.

Warehouse capacity of the plant will increase by 23,000 square feet as a result of the project.

Production at the facility will increase to 30 tons per hour through use of new machinery that will be obtained by the company in coming months, Moore said.

The expansion of Calcium Products, which is slated to create four new jobs, is only the latest such addition to the local economy, said Fort Dodge City manager David Fierke.

‘‘There are 14 potential expansion projects in the works,’’ said Fierke, citing recent projects at Decker Truck Line, Silgan Containers and other such projects.

Speaking on behalf of the Development Corporation of Fort Dodge and Webster County, Rick Bennett, a member of the organization’s board of directors, congratulated Moore.

‘‘Thank you for demonstrating confidence in this community,’’ he said.

Established in 1987, Calcium Products’ Fort Dodge facility opened in 1996.