Agrivision looking to build in Union or Taylor county

Union County Board of Supervisors approved a preliminary proposal Wednesday for Agrivision to consider to build a new service and retail building west of Creston, outside of city limits. Lenox City Council also approved proposals July 25 for the John Deere agricultural implement dealer to consider building outside of Lenox in Taylor County.

The proposal with Union County includes tax incentives for Agrivision.

“Agrivision is looking to consolidate two stores into one. One store is existing in Lenox and the other is Creston. I’m assuming you are going to build a bigger, newer nice building and put two into one,” said Supervisor Ron Riley. “Agrivision has been a longstanding, respected business in our community.”

Agrivision representatives said they are interested in property “west side of town” not in Creston city limits and declined to describe exact location or owner. Agrivision has not acquired the property. Agrivision’s operation in Creston is at 710 E. Taylor St.

Randy McCunn of Agrivision explained what they need for a new building.

“Roughly in size, we need 15 acres,” he said. “When we look at a site, we need highway frontage. We need sanitary sewer.”

The building is expected to be about 100 feet by 250 feet for a service area. A similar size building will be needed for sales, offices and parts. Estimated total cost for the buildings is $8 million.

Agrivison’s Todd Barker said the facilities in Creston and Lenox are, “30 years past their prime. Everyday we work in Creston we are working on stuff outside because we can’t get it inside. To continue to attract the skill sets it takes to work on iron and technology, those don’t match the skill sets that say, ‘I don’t want to work out in 0 degrees or under the blistering hot sun.’” The service areas will have air conditioning.

Barker said work has begun on preparing combines for fall harvest and work is done outside. Agrivision’s buildings and additions in Creston range in age from 1965 to 1990.

“Things are so big. Used to drive a combine down the road. Now you are against the yellow line and against the shoulder just going down the road making everyone mad behind you,” Riley said.

McCunn estimated work on the proposed buildings will take about a year to build provided there are no supply-chain problems.

Barker said he is appreciative of Creston supporting the company over the decades.

The agreement with Union County includes tax incentives for Agrivision. The site would be considered a Tax Increment Financing district. Union County will assist with implementing a turn lane on the highway and access to utilities.

“We trust and hope this proposal is in everyone’s best interest,” said Supervisor Rick Friday.

Creston Mayor Gabe Carroll and Union County Development Association interim director Mindy Stalker were in attendance. The proposal is scheduled to be on Creston City Council’s Aug. 16 agenda. Carroll said there should be no problem extending Creston sewer to the property.

Supervisors also approved using the law firm of Ahlers and Cooney to assist the county with all legal issues related to the project, if Agrivision decides to build in Union County.

Lenox

Lenox City Council discussed July 25 an Agrivision proposal to build north of its building at 412 Van Buren St. in Lenox. Council approved to further work with Agrivision should it decide to build in Taylor County.

“It’s not in Lenox city limits,” said Lenox City Administrator Allison Kitzman Wednesday. Kitzman added tax incentives will be included for Agrivision.

According to minutes from that meeting, council members discussed how the city would recoup expenses for utilities despite seeing the benefits.

AgriVision Equipment Group was formed Jan. 1, 2014, with the merger of A&M Green Power Group and Barker Implement. The merger consolidated four John Deere dealerships in Southwest and South Central Iowa, into one.

AgriVision Equipment is owned by the five former dealerships: Athen Implement, Barker Implement, Macedonia Implement Co., McCunn Equipment, Pender Implement and Jeremy Ostrander.

AgriVision Equipment Group has 17 locations including Clarinda, Creston, Hamburg, Ireton, Lawton, Le Mars, Lenox, Leon, Macedonia, Massena, Pacific Junction, Paullina, Red Oak and Winterset. The company’s headquarters are located in Pacific Junction.