More than 100 new manufacturing jobs are one step closer to Bettendorf. That's as a developer plans to create an LED lighting plant.
Doug Borgeson, BEM Lighthouse Development, decided to reverse the trend that companies went overseas.
The company found Bettendorf by way of Finland and Florida. It plans a $10 million project to create nearly 140 jobs in Bettendorf. Jobs, which could have gone to China, will instead pay local employees nearly $17 an hour.
The project comes at a time when Iowa is looking to grow manufacturing jobs. Replacing corn with construction could be just the right combination. If the financial components fall into place, work could begin next year.
Bettendorf is moving closer to finanlizing tax incentives. It's another piece of the puzzle toward making all this a reality.