Story and photos by Karen Lee

On September 8, 2008, as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was still reeling from devastating summer floods, Diamond V broke ground on what would become its new south manufacturing facility and a symbol of hope for the community.

One year and one week later, local dignitaries, select customers and several Cedar Rapids employees gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the facility that would begin production in late September.

“The opening of this facility highlights our progress when it comes to recovery,” said Iowa Governor Chet Culver. “We never lost hope and our focus on the future. We can rebuild a more vital, stronger and safer state. This is an example of what’s possible.”

This state-of-the-art facility will more than double the size of Diamond V’s production of fermented nutritional products. It is slated to handle Diamond V’s larger-volume products, while the smaller production facility north of Cedar Rapids will allow for flexibility in developing new products.

It is the third facility Diamond V operates in Iowa. Three years ago the family-owned company constructed a new facility in Ankeny. In total, Diamond V has invested $36 million in Iowa facilities in the last three years. PD

Above: In a display of utilizing the latest technology, Diamond V President and CEO John Bloomhall (left) and Iowa Governor Chet Culver (right) abstained from the traditional ribbon cutting and instead pushed a button to start the operations at the new manufacturing facility.

Above: Local dignitaries, customers and employees enjoyed a variety of dairy products in the company’s display of commitment to help the downcast industry.