Quad Cities manufacturers awarded over $315K in Iowa state tech grants

Several manufacturers in the Quad Cities region have been awarded more than $315,000 through Iowa’s FY 2025 Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program. The funding supports small- and mid-sized manufacturers as they adopt smart technologies to boost productivity, improve efficiency and remain competitive in Iowa’s largest industry. Statewide, 33 companies received a combined total of more than $2 million in grant funding. Award recommendations for the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program funds are made by a review committee to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board for approval. 

"I applaud the vision and commitment of IEDA and CIRAS-IA State University in advancing manufacturing knowledge, processes and technologies," said Chris Caves, Vice President, Business Retention & Expansion, Workforce for the Chamber. "This sustained financial support for the continuous investment in automation, technology and efficiency is critical to advancing the industry. My congratulations to the five manufacturers in the Quad Cities region who were awarded funding. Each company represents progressive leadership and the determination to invest and grow their capabilities," she said. 

 Local manufacturers receiving grants were Bowe Machine ($75K), CT Products ($35K), Grace Technologies ($56.3K), Johnson Manufacturing Company, Inc.($69.4K) and PCT Ebeam & Integration ($27.9K).

“The IEDA grant will support our investment in new capabilities for our production team," said Karl Swanson, President of PCT Ebeam and Integration. "We will be adding both a laser welder and a plasma cutting table. Laser welding is a faster and cleaner method to fabricate the stainless steel parts that are critical to our electron beam systems. Having our own plasma cutter will enhance our ability to control our material flow.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to receive this support from the IEDA," said Drew Allen, CEO of Grace Technologies. "This grant will help us bring overmolding capabilities in-house, enhancing product quality, reducing costs and accelerating production timelines across our life-saving electrical safety product lines. It’s a key investment in innovation and long-term growth here in Iowa.”