Manufacturing in Lucas County
Former Governor Terry Branstad declared 2017 as the "Year of Manufacturing".
The Lucas County Economic Development Corporation followed suit with this focus by highlighting a few of our community's primary manufacturing businesses, Johnson Machine Works, Piper's, & Fat Bagger's Inc. Although they vary greatly in products produced [steel - candy - motorcycles], all three share family as a common theme.
The Lucas County Economic Development Corporation followed suit with this focus by highlighting a few of our community's primary manufacturing businesses, Johnson Machine Works, Piper's, & Fat Bagger's Inc. Although they vary greatly in products produced [steel - candy - motorcycles], all three share family as a common theme.
Developing History - A County Home to Historical Company
The developments and breakthroughs made by Johnson Machine Works have exploded onto the manufacturing scene with the force of an anvil blown into the sky. JMW began as a small repair shop for farm equipment — hard to believe when looking at their current projects: enormous dams, gates built for hydroelectric power plants, and transition waterways across the world. JMW developed into an enterprise employing 100 people. Midwestern ingenuity and artisanship of machinery are prevalent in this county where the citizens still carry on the tradition of launching an anvil in a downtown Chariton park on the 4th of July. Hard work and revelry in the fruits of labor, meet up in this sea of farmland to create a vibrant pocket of all that is good about small-town life, along with all that is profitable in the manufacturing sector. Johnson Machine Works has set the tone for this community for five generations; it is a history that by all means, bears repeating.
PERSEVERANT PRODUCTION
JMW has been in production for over 100 years, surviving two fires and becoming a prime example of successful longevity. The company places great importance on creativity and finding solutions even when they are not readily available. Despite being a small company in a rural community, JMW has managed to acquire impressive contracts for steel fabrication projects that are not typically awarded to companies of their size. JMW's unique office buildings feature contemporary art and furniture that reflect the company's trade. The eclectic mix of building materials used exemplifies JMW's creativity and character.
ENRICHING LIVES
Beyond the typical corporate goals to provide service of quality in pursuit of profit, JMW stands out with a mission statement including the promise to enrich the lives of “employees, customers, shareholders, and community.” Advanced manufacturing efforts have brought many companies more awareness about the return on investment for improving employees’ quality of life. However, at JMW this focus on enrichment is an integral part of the culture. Lucas County, a rural Southeast Iowa area, is home to a company that was focused on the employees before the trend began. In the book Iron Sharpening Iron, Johnson writes in the forward that they’ve “grown by applying [their] trade, by finding loyal customers and creating a place where talented men and women could find expression for their God-given abilities.”
AT HOME IN THE HEARTLAND
JMW continues to call Lucas County home for good reason. Johnson says, “The work ethic is second to none. Skilled men and women cover all the trades and this is what makes the workforce here special. They are true artisans, problem-solvers.” He speaks of the people and life in Iowa with reverence. “There is a quality of life, a pace that offers peace here. You have the opportunity to contemplate and follow through, which is truly unique to rural Iowa.” The fruits of the Johnson family’s labor are seen all around Chariton in the development of buildings, the betterment of the community, and every year, in the explosion of an anvil blasting into the sky — a celebratory interruption to the peaceful atmosphere of Lucas County.
PERSEVERANT PRODUCTION
JMW has been in production for over 100 years, surviving two fires and becoming a prime example of successful longevity. The company places great importance on creativity and finding solutions even when they are not readily available. Despite being a small company in a rural community, JMW has managed to acquire impressive contracts for steel fabrication projects that are not typically awarded to companies of their size. JMW's unique office buildings feature contemporary art and furniture that reflect the company's trade. The eclectic mix of building materials used exemplifies JMW's creativity and character.
ENRICHING LIVES
Beyond the typical corporate goals to provide service of quality in pursuit of profit, JMW stands out with a mission statement including the promise to enrich the lives of “employees, customers, shareholders, and community.” Advanced manufacturing efforts have brought many companies more awareness about the return on investment for improving employees’ quality of life. However, at JMW this focus on enrichment is an integral part of the culture. Lucas County, a rural Southeast Iowa area, is home to a company that was focused on the employees before the trend began. In the book Iron Sharpening Iron, Johnson writes in the forward that they’ve “grown by applying [their] trade, by finding loyal customers and creating a place where talented men and women could find expression for their God-given abilities.”
AT HOME IN THE HEARTLAND
JMW continues to call Lucas County home for good reason. Johnson says, “The work ethic is second to none. Skilled men and women cover all the trades and this is what makes the workforce here special. They are true artisans, problem-solvers.” He speaks of the people and life in Iowa with reverence. “There is a quality of life, a pace that offers peace here. You have the opportunity to contemplate and follow through, which is truly unique to rural Iowa.” The fruits of the Johnson family’s labor are seen all around Chariton in the development of buildings, the betterment of the community, and every year, in the explosion of an anvil blasting into the sky — a celebratory interruption to the peaceful atmosphere of Lucas County.
Delivering the Goods - A County of Motorcycles, Memories, and Chocolate
With the recent focus on downtown revitalization, it is not uncommon for town squares, like the one in Chariton, to develop spaces, fill vacancies, and support existing businesses. However, it is rare for a town square to be home to a business for over 100 years. Piper's grocery, established in 1909, has weathered all the economic storms that have affected the community, demonstrating the fortitude of the people of Lucas County. Fat Baggers, Inc. developed like the local titan Johnson Machine Works, but about 100 years later, with a single person serving a specific customer. The insight into potential markets exemplifies the adaptability of Lucas County. Additionally, Chariton is home to Hy-Vee's frozen and perishables distribution center, which employs 1,300 people. There is still room in Lucas County for potential producers and complementary manufacturing suppliers to move in.
RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD
Gary Chipp started Fat Baggers, Inc. back in 2004 to design, manufacture, and promote the original Fat Tire Kit due to customers looking for a new way to get more rubber under their baggers. Gary fabricated the parts necessary to install a wide tire on a bagger. From there, FBI has led the way in the bagger industry with customers, dealers, and distributors all over the world. They offer parts, accessories, customize bikes, and convert bikes to trikes. Fat Baggers, Inc. is in the business of making motorcyclists' dreams come true. While FBI’s story does not yet have the century-long history of Johnson Machine Works, like Johnson Machine Works, Fat Bagger’s is a powerhouse of innovation and customization.
HISTORIC PROVISIONS
Piper's is a well-established symbol of Lucas County's perseverance and plays a significant role in the region's food distribution story. The company started in 1947 with the production of handmade chocolates, which were made in-store. Despite expanding its distribution to corporate clients across the United States, the way Piper's candy is made remains unchanged. According to Jill Kerns, Piper's current owner, the recipes used are still the same. Piper's is a popular spot for local customers to chat, browse, and indulge in their favorite treats.
FAMILY TIES
Kerns believes that Chariton is a place where the community and history are intertwined. She owns and works at the shop, following in the footsteps of her parents. Gary Chipps founded Fat Bagger's in his father's motorcycle dealership in 1973. Johnson Machine Works has been passed down through five generations of the Johnson family. Kerns has been invited to open up shop in other communities, but she feels supported and appreciated in Chariton. She credits Mariah Pierschbacher, Executive Director of Lucas County Development Corporation, for recognizing her efforts. Lucas County has a rich manufacturing history, and the locals continue to make memories there. When asked about the quality of life in Lucas County, Kerns says she wouldn't want to live or operate a business anywhere else.
RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD
Gary Chipp started Fat Baggers, Inc. back in 2004 to design, manufacture, and promote the original Fat Tire Kit due to customers looking for a new way to get more rubber under their baggers. Gary fabricated the parts necessary to install a wide tire on a bagger. From there, FBI has led the way in the bagger industry with customers, dealers, and distributors all over the world. They offer parts, accessories, customize bikes, and convert bikes to trikes. Fat Baggers, Inc. is in the business of making motorcyclists' dreams come true. While FBI’s story does not yet have the century-long history of Johnson Machine Works, like Johnson Machine Works, Fat Bagger’s is a powerhouse of innovation and customization.
HISTORIC PROVISIONS
Piper's is a well-established symbol of Lucas County's perseverance and plays a significant role in the region's food distribution story. The company started in 1947 with the production of handmade chocolates, which were made in-store. Despite expanding its distribution to corporate clients across the United States, the way Piper's candy is made remains unchanged. According to Jill Kerns, Piper's current owner, the recipes used are still the same. Piper's is a popular spot for local customers to chat, browse, and indulge in their favorite treats.
FAMILY TIES
Kerns believes that Chariton is a place where the community and history are intertwined. She owns and works at the shop, following in the footsteps of her parents. Gary Chipps founded Fat Bagger's in his father's motorcycle dealership in 1973. Johnson Machine Works has been passed down through five generations of the Johnson family. Kerns has been invited to open up shop in other communities, but she feels supported and appreciated in Chariton. She credits Mariah Pierschbacher, Executive Director of Lucas County Development Corporation, for recognizing her efforts. Lucas County has a rich manufacturing history, and the locals continue to make memories there. When asked about the quality of life in Lucas County, Kerns says she wouldn't want to live or operate a business anywhere else.