Iowa Aluminum was started in 2000 in a spec building in Albia, Iowa that was built by the local electric utility company. Mike Lawrence started the company to work cooperatively with his father’s company, L&S Tools. Iowa Aluminum fills a unique niche by manufacturing smaller runs of aluminum forms that large companies are not willing to do. Examples of products they make are the metal frames and bars found on shower doors and windows.

Mike knew he’d need assistance in writing a business plan to fund the company and that this plan would be used to raise funds from several sources. He turned to Bryan Ziegler of the Indian Hills SBDC in Ottumwa for help in writing the plan. The plan was successful and Mike received $250,000 in bank loans to start his business, which currently employs 20 people.

When Mike decided to expand the business, he went back to Bryan for more help. Mike said, “The SBDC was able to help get Iowa Aluminum funded by helping us develop the plans and applications, so we knew they could help us do the same to get the expansion financed.” The expansion includes erecting an additional building and adding another press, which will in turn enable the company to add additional shifts of workers. It will also enable the company to perform value-added activities such as bending, cutting and coating. This new expansion will also allow Iowa Aluminum to expand its reach beyond its current Iowa customer base.

Now that his father is retiring, Mike is managing both L & S Tools and Iowa Aluminum. He recently received an award from the Rural Electric Cooperatives’ State Association for starting a successful entrepreneurial business. Mike is excited about the new opportunities he has for his business and grateful to the SBDC for helping make it possible.