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Ritchie Industries, a company that produces premium automatic waterers for cattle, livestock, dairy, horses, goats and sheep, is committed to fostering a highly skilled workforce. They have partnered with Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions (BCS) to provide employees with essential training. Through Iowa’s 260E and 260F grant programs, Ritchie Industries has been able to access funding for a variety of training courses, including OSHA safety, welding, CPR and first aid, tool and die, and electro-mechanical skills.

“We believe in the power of continuous learning and development,” said Stacey Zeman, Human Resources Supervisor at Ritchie Industries. “By investing in our employees, we are investing in the future of our company. The 260F grant funded professional development activities help Ritchie live up to our Core Values: Do the right thing, have passion for the brand, embrace innovation, and be dependable. Iowa Valley’s training programs have equipped our team with the skills they need to excel.”

“It’s so gratifying to work with Ritchie Industries,” said Neysa Hartzler, Business Outreach Coordinator of BCS. “Not many companies are set up to allow employees grow their skillsets the way Ritchie is. Employees can start out on the manufacturing floor and grow and develop their skills and spend their entire career at Ritchie Industries. Employees at few companies can say that! It’s really exciting to be part of their success.”

Ritchie Industries is deeply involved in the local community, with several employees serving on advisory boards at Marshalltown Community College (MCC). This collaboration ensures that the college’s CTE programs align with the needs of local industries.

Iowa’s 260E and 260F Grant Programs

Iowa’s 260E and 260F grant programs are designed to empower businesses like Ritchie Industries to invest in their workforce. The 260E grant supports businesses that are expanding operations or relocating to Iowa, while the 260F grant provides funding for customized training programs for current employees. By leveraging these grants, companies can equip their teams with the skills they need to stay competitive and achieve their strategic goals.

About Ritchie Industries

Since 1921, Ritchie Industries has developed into the leader in watering innovation and now manufactures a complete line of livestock and horse waterers to the highest specifications in the industry. Automatic waterers are our focus and our specialty.

Ritchie builds automatic waterers from the ground up, from design to prototype to end product. This allows them to ensure quality from the very beginning. Ritchie is an employee owned company located in Conrad, Iowa, a small, no stop light town of around 1,100 people. Ritchie Industries has been in the same location, Main Street, since 1943.

About Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions

Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions (BCS), a division of Iowa Valley Community College District, plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with the training resources they need. BCS offers a comprehensive range of customized training programs, delivered on-site or at their state-of-the-art facilities. Their experienced instructors cater to specific company needs, ensuring employees receive the most relevant and up-to-date training in areas like OSHA compliance, technical skills development, and leadership training. By partnering with BCS, businesses can create a skilled and adaptable workforce, ultimately driving productivity and growth.