Key Takeaways
- USD 14 Million investment to construct ADR Axles’ North American HQ and manufacturing site
- About 50 new jobs planned, including at least 12 roles at USD 31.10 per hour or higher
- 68,000 square feet for fabrication and assembly on an 11-acre parcel in Perry Industrial Park
- Operations targeted to begin in January 2027
- Public support includes a USD 300,000 IEDA sales and use tax rebate and a 10-year city TIF worth about USD 900,000
Project at a glance
ADR Axles USA has started construction of a combined headquarters and production facility that will anchor the company’s North American operations. The groundbreaking brought together company leaders and a broad coalition of local and state partners. On hand were executives from ADR Axles USA, representatives from the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Perry Economic Development Inc., and public leaders including Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, U.S. Rep. Zack Nunn, Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh, City Council member Barb Wolling, and others.
The facility rises within Perry Industrial Park on an 11-acre site that the city approved earlier this year. Design and construction partners include Snyder Construction and SVPA Architects. The project moves forward alongside planned improvements to L Avenue coordinated with the Iowa Department of Transportation, a step intended to support plant access and logistics once production ramps.
Jobs, facility, and timeline
The new plant is designed for 68,000 square feet of fabrication and assembly, with room for future growth. ADR expects to hire about 50 team members to support headquarters functions and manufacturing. At least 12 positions will meet or exceed the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s High Quality Jobs laborshed wage benchmark of USD 31.10 per hour. Recruitment will focus on skilled trades, production technicians, quality, logistics, and administrative roles needed to stand up North American operations.
Construction activities begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with equipment installation and commissioning scheduled to lead into a production start in January 2027. ADR is coordinating workforce pipelines with Des Moines Area Community College. The company plans to engage DMACC students on industrial machinery software and related technologies, building a local talent bench that aligns with plant requirements.
Why this site made the cut
ADR Axles USA evaluated multiple locations before selecting Iowa for its central position and freight connectivity. From Perry, the company can reach nearby states in a matter of hours via established highway networks, improving delivery speed and service reliability for original equipment manufacturers and distribution partners.
The decision also reflects a fit with the community’s industrial base and training resources. Perry city leaders and regional partners signaled strong interest in the project, and ADR cited aligned values and a shared growth vision as important to the choice. The company anticipates close collaboration with local institutions to support workforce development and to integrate the new site into regional supply chains.
Public incentives and partners
The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved a USD 300,000 sales and use tax rebate for the project. The City of Perry authorized a 10-year tax-increment financing package valued at about USD 900,000. Additional supporters include the Dallas County Development Alliance, Perry Chamber of Commerce, America’s Cultivation Corridor, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Together, these partners coordinated site readiness, infrastructure planning, talent connections, and outreach.
Company background and customers
ADR Axles USA Inc. is an affiliate of ADR S.p.A., headquartered in Milan, Italy. The business traces its roots to a family enterprise founded 70 years ago and now operates eight factories across Europe, with additional facilities in China, India, and Australia. Its products are sold in 72 countries.
The company specializes in axles, braking systems, and suspensions that serve multiple sectors, including agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, and airport ground operations. Equipment from ADR supports work in fields and industrial sites worldwide. Well-known customers include John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Case New Holland, Kinze Manufacturing, and Bazooka Farmstar. The new U.S. headquarters aims to shorten lead times for these manufacturers, bring engineering and service functions closer to end users, and create a base for future expansion in North America.
What’s next
Site work and building construction will proceed through permitting and utility coordination milestones, followed by interior build-out and equipment placement. Hiring will be phased to align with installation and testing. City and state partners will continue to advance roadway improvements that support inbound materials and outbound shipments. With commissioning planned ahead of January 2027, ADR expects the Perry plant to become a key link in its global network, supporting customers across the United States and neighboring markets.
