Century Fence, a Wisconsin-based fence and pavement marking company, is expanding its footprint to eastern Iowa with plans for a new 10,000-square-foot facility in the Wilton Industrial Park.
Company leaders joined city officials and Wilton Chamber & Development Alliance leaders for the new $2.467 million building’s ground-breaking ceremony. A luncheon reception followed on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
The facility is expected to be operational by early to mid-2025. It will be built on 10 acres in the city’s industrial park at 715 Ayres Progress Drive. Century Fence estimates the project to have a $4.4 million annual economic impact on the Quad Cities region. The new facility is being constructed by Davenport-based Point Builders.
With a machinery and equipment investment of $600,000, Century Fence will use the Muscatine County facility to fabricate, assemble and warehouse fences and gates. Century Fence plans to hire up to 10 people initially there. Wilton is located about 37 miles northwest of the Quad Cities.
Among guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were leaders with Century Fence including CEO Mathew Powell, President Mike Grzybowski and Branch Leader Angel Maseda, all of Wisconsin; along with the local Branch Manager Jason Calvert.
Mr. Calvert, who lives in nearby Muscatine, credited the Quad Cities Chamber team for conducting an extensive search and identifying the site. “Wilton is a great location for so many reasons. It was affordable, and we have plenty of room for our operations,” he said in Quad Cities Chamber blog post.
Power of cooperation
Tami Petsche, the QC chamber’s vice president of business attraction, described the project and company’s growth as “a testament to the power of true collaboration” between the company and the two chamber organizations.”
“We’re excited about Century Fence expanding into Wilton and the Quad Cities region,” she said.
According to a Wilton chamber Facebook post, Mr. Powell applauded the cooperation of city staff. He added: The City of Wilton has been such a pleasure to work with. Thank you for helping us plant roots, and we look forward to flourishing with all of you.”
The 105-year-old Century Fence is a fourth generation business headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The fence and pavement marking industry leader also has branches in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
At the ceremony, Becky Allgood, Wilton Chamber director, said “We’re very lucky that this industry made the decision to join us here in Wilton.”
Mr. Calvert, who manages the family-owned business’ new Wilton operation, said “We hope to add a number of different jobs to this location from drivers to office managers. And I foresee us growing to between 20 and 25 people, and possibly adding another building or two in the next five years,” he said.
Ms. Allgood also recognized the Quad Cities Chamber’s support in finding an ideal location for Century Fence. She said she believes the way to success is for everyone to work together for the common good.
“We invite new business and industry to invest in our area,” Ms. Allgood added. “We are a prime location, close to main interstates, rail and major airports.”
She said, “We also have great schools, infrastructure, housing initiatives and amenities that make our area very attractive to industries looking for a stable environment to place and conduct business.”
