MASON CITY — A company is significantly expanding its footprint in North Iowa as TDG Forbes announced this week that it will relocate its New York production facility to Mason City. The transition is expected to create 25 to 30 skilled positions in Cerro Gordo County and bring several experienced team members and their families to the region.
The relocation includes a $1 million capital investment in advanced digital printing technology. The centerpiece of this investment is a 126-inch hybrid LED-UV press designed to handle both rigid sheets and roll media. Company officials stated that the new equipment will drastically shorten lead times, improve color quality for regional brands, and reduce waste through energy-efficient “cool-cure” technology. The new press can produce photo-quality resolution for interior signage, fleet graphics, and short-run packaging.
Sean Fraser, vice president of sales for the company, noted that several cities were evaluated during the decision-making process. He credited the people of the community and the support from local leadership as the deciding factors. The North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation and Mason City city officials were instrumental in facilitating the move.
TDG Forbes currently employs more than 50 people at its Mason City facility, located at 325 N Jackson Avenue. This latest consolidation follows the company’s merger with the local supplier Jay Plastics a few years ago. With the move, the company will centralize its manufacturing of custom vinyl products, corrugated packaging, and digital print signage in North Iowa.
Local economic development officials called the announcement “big news,” noting that the decision reflects the strength of the area’s workforce and local partnerships. The company’s expanded operations are expected to bolster the regional economy while solidifying Mason City as a hub for advanced manufacturing and digital printing services.
According to the North Iowa Corridor, “TDG Forbes has announced it will relocate its New York production facility to Mason City bringing 25–30 skilled jobs and welcoming new families to our region. This decision reflects the strength of our workforce, community, and partnerships. We’re proud to support companies like TDG Forbes as they grow in North Iowa.”
TDG Forbes thanked, Chad Schreck, President & CEO, North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation; Jenna Heiar, Business Relations Manager, North Iowa Corridor EDC, and John Lee, Mayor of Mason City.
“Mason City greatly appreciates TDG Forbes’ commitment to grow its company in our community. Their decision to invest here speaks volumes about our workforce, quality of life, and the momentum of our community. We look forward to partnering to continue building North Iowa as a place businesses and families can put down roots and thrive,” Mason City mayor John Lee said.
“North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp, the City of Mason City, and city leadership have been instrumental as we considered this move. We evaluated several different cities in which to relocate our NY operation, and, in the end, Mason City was the right choice because of the people,” said Adam Gold, President, TDG Forbes.
NIT reported back in 2012 that Gold was expanding his business, Dimensional Graphics, at this same location on Jackson Avenue. He got $115,000 in NIACOG funding for that. NIT later reported in 2014 that Gold got a $250,000 tax break for his company in exchange for building an addition to its facility and promising to add up to 10 jobs that pay $9.50 an hour.