CHARLES CITY – A leading manufacturer of refuse collection trucks based in Cedar Falls announced the acquisition of a vacant factory in Charles City, and will employ twenty.
Curbtender is the new tenant in the facility, located at 1200 11th Street. The property has been listed for sale for some time, and is the former home to a Winnebago Industries plant that closed earlier this year, costing the community 36 jobs.
This new business endeavor from Curbtender will allow them to expand its production of front-loading garbage trucks to meet growing market demand.
This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Curbtender’s continued growth, with revenue growing 500% since 2018, the company said. The Charles City facility will allow the company to increase production capacity, enhance efficiency, and better serve its customers nationwide. Known for its innovative and durable waste collection vehicles, Curbtender is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality while supporting the economic development of Midwest communities.
“The purchase of this factory is an important step forward for Curbtender,” said Kevin Watje, CEO of Curbtender. “Charles City offers an ideal location for our expansion, and this facility will play a key role in helping us scale our operations to keep pace with customer needs.”
Curbtender plans to bring 20 new jobs to Charles City in the next few months, reinforcing its dedication to creating opportunities for rural communities. Renovations and equipment installations are expected to begin immediately, with production slated to start in March 2025.
Curbtender previously expanded its operations to Gothenburg, Nebraska, in 2020 and Easley, South Carolina, in 2021. The company manufactures a wide range of waste collection vehicles, including specialty equipment such as street sweepers and leaf vacuum trucks.
Curbtender has been a trusted name in refuse truck manufacturing for over 50 years, focused on producing high-performance equipment with a lower total cost of ownership. The company remains focused on driving innovation and supporting sustainable waste management solutions.
(Top photo of plant via Google.)