Hidden Secrets

By: Dan Engledow

I would imagine most of the Vinton population doesn’t spend much time in the Industrial Park. There are probably some that have never been out that way. In case you’re wondering, it’s the first road to the left after Pizza Hut as you travel north on Highway 218.

Some may wonder what actually goes on inside those buildings. I’ve spent the last 16 years working in the Industrial Park, and at times have wondered the same thing.

For instance, did you know that Kerry, Inc. manufacturers key ingredients for food products, such as Boca burgers? I learned that little fact while helping plan a party last summer. I was also pleasantly surprised that soy products, in particular the pulled ‘pork’ style, tastes very similar to its meat counterpart.

During a Vinton Unlimited After Hours event I toured Ideal Industries, hidden back on the very North side of the Industrial Park. If you like big lasers, you missed a really cool demonstration that night. They fabricate everything from farm equipment to race car parts. I watched as their very large, and I imagine very expensive, laser cut a sign out of solid metal right in front of me.

Right next door to Ideal, I visited Custom Millworks, also at an After Hours event. The things they make out of wood aren’t good. They’re amazing. The quality and beauty of their finished pieces are impeccable. The kitchen cabinets they were getting ready to start while I visited were for a home somewhere near the Chicago area. The partially finished receptionist desk on display that evening was destined for a bank.

Gift cards. Most of us have used them at some point. I was not only intrigued, but a bit shocked, when I recently learned that Proteus actually puts that black stripe on those gift cards for large companies such as Hy-Vee and Theisens. Hundreds of thousands of people have carried around a souvenir from Vinton and don’t even know it.

Speaking of things people may not know; auto racing has some strong roots here in our town. (No pun intended for those familiar with the company). The first IMCA modified racecar was developed here in the late 1970s. Today, the IMCA modified division races weekly at over 120 tracks from California to New York. There are more IMCA licensed drivers than residents of Vinton (quite a few more actually). The IMCA headquarters is located in Vinton’s Industrial Park.

Every day semi loads of cement mix can be seen leaving from Twin City Concrete, made from the truck loads of sand brought to the factory by Coots Materials. Semi’s are always coming or going, dropping off cleaning machines at Performance Systems or making deliveries at Remington Seed.

These, and every other Industrial Park business, have unique products and stories with creative, passionate and hard working people behind them.

Vinton Unlimited is delighted that such innovative businesses call Vinton home, and will continue to encourage economic growth and community improvement with the help of many dedicated volunteers who make up 5 core committees. If you’d like more information, call the Vinton Unlimited office at 319-472-3955. We’d love to share more!