March 29, 2024

Loebsack tours Walter G. Anderson

Two years after Walter G. Anderson purchased the old Maytag property that WGA plant manager Jerry Ebersole described as “a dark, black shell,” the carton-printing company has not only become a prime example for industry in Newton, but has attracted various state and national politicians for tours.

This continued Wednesday afternoon as Rep. Dave Loebsack visited the facility for a full tour, guided by Ebersole. After following the printing process from raw material to finished carton, it was clear to Loebsack the boon WGA is to Newton.

“This is a wonderful company that offers wonderful benefits in terms of salary, wages, in terms of health insurance,” Loebsack said. “This is the kind of company I’d love to see come more often to Iowa and expand. They do a great job and clearly are a real asset to the community.”

“They treat their employees very well, and I think that’s a big part of it,” he added. “When companies do that, they find their employees are more productive, and I think that’s the bottom line.”

In addition, Loebsack commented that WGA’s respect for employees aligns with its respect for the environment, as the facility is 100-percent powered by wind energy.

“I do like the fact that they’re entirely wind energy powered as well,” Loebsack said. “I think that’s very forward-looking.”

Loebsack’s stop in Jasper County concluded with a trip to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge outside Prairie City.

Staff writer Nicole Wiegand may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 422, or at nwiegand@newtondailynews.com.