Des Moines has become a leading hub for modern manufacturing in the Midwest, attracting companies that require advanced, efficient industrial facilities to support their operations. As automation, sustainability, and operational flexibility become essential for manufacturers, the demand for well-designed industrial real estate in Des Moines continues to grow. This article explores the key facility requirements for today’s manufacturers and highlights two local case studies—Midwest Wheel and Kemin Industries—complete with links to facility photos and virtual tours.
Why Modern Manufacturing Demands Efficient Facilities
Contemporary manufacturing is about more than just production lines. Today’s manufacturers in Des Moines are looking for industrial spaces that offer:
- Flexible, scalable layouts to accommodate evolving production needs
- Robust power and utility infrastructure to support advanced machinery and automation
- Integrated warehousing and logistics for streamlined supply chains
- Sustainable, energy-efficient systems to reduce costs and meet regulatory standards
- Advanced environmental controls for specialized production requirements
- Strategic locations with access to transportation, labor, and suppliers
These features are not just “nice to have”—they are essential for manufacturers to remain competitive, efficient, and future-ready.
Des Moines: A Midwest Manufacturing Powerhouse
Des Moines stands out for its certified industrial parks, strong transportation networks, and a diverse manufacturing base that includes biosciences, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. The region’s industrial real estate market is robust, with a healthy balance of new construction, facility upgrades, and ongoing demand from both established companies and new entrants.
Case Study 1: Midwest Wheel – Technology-Driven Efficiency
Midwest Wheel is one of the Midwest’s largest truck parts distributors and a fifth-generation, family-owned business headquartered in Des Moines. The company’s facility modernization efforts have focused on operational efficiency and scalability.
Key Facility Features:
- Implementation of a cloud-based ERP system to integrate inventory, workflows, and real-time alerts across all locations
- Advanced warehouse logistics software to optimize inventory placement, picking, and delivery
- Automated workflows and dashboards to reduce manual errors and speed up decision-making
Results:
- Significant reduction in inventory and order fulfillment errors
- Faster, more accurate picking and delivery
- Seamless expansion across multiple locations without added complexity
Facility Photos:
View a public gallery of Midwest Wheel’s Des Moines facility here:
https://nextdoor.com/pages/midwest-wheel-companies-des-moines-ia/photos
Case Study 2: Kemin Industries – Sustainable, Scalable Campus
Kemin Industries is a global bioscience leader with its headquarters and largest manufacturing campus in Des Moines. The company’s approach to facility design emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and long-term operational efficiency.
Key Facility Features:
- A campus with six manufacturing and three research facilities, including a $30 million, 94,000-square-foot headquarters
- Technology-driven design for long-term ROI and user experience
- Centralized operations connecting manufacturing, research, and amenities
- Energy-efficient systems and responsible resource management
- Advanced material handling for efficient storage and logistics
Recent Expansion: In 2024, Kemin began construction on a $28 million, 321,500-square-foot warehouse to consolidate operations and support future growth.
Facility Visuals:
- Take a virtual tour of Kemin’s headquarters and campus:
https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/company/hq-virtual-tour - Explore professional architectural photos:
https://www.mortarr.com/photo/view/images/project_gallery_images/feh-design-kemin-industries-world-headquarters-office-dining/30194 - View a rendering of the new warehouse expansion:
https://businessrecord.com/Content/Default/All-Latest-News/Article/Kemin-plans-28-million-expansion-with-addition-of-new-warehouse/-3/248/101181
What Sets Des Moines Industrial Facilities Apart
Des Moines offers manufacturers a unique combination of:
- Certified industrial parks for fast-track development and reduced risk
- Robust power and utility infrastructure to support automation and advanced machinery
- Flexible, scalable layouts to adapt to changing production needs
- Sustainability features that lower costs and help meet regulatory and ESG goals
- Integrated logistics for faster time-to-market
- Access to a skilled workforce and strong economic incentives
These advantages make Des Moines a top choice for manufacturers and distributors seeking modern, efficient industrial space.
Conclusion
Modern manufacturing in Des Moines is thriving because companies are investing in advanced, efficient facilities that support automation, sustainability, and growth. The case studies of Midwest Wheel and Kemin Industries demonstrate how facility innovation leads to operational excellence and long-term success. For manufacturers and property owners alike, Des Moines offers the infrastructure, location, and resources needed to meet the demands of today’s industrial landscape.
If you’re interested in learning more about modern manufacturing facilities in Des Moines or want to explore these spaces firsthand, use the links above to view facility photos and virtual tours.
