1. Plant to close
SIOUX CENTER — A Sioux Center plant that manufactures furnishings for the medical industry will close this fall. A Nemschoff Inc. spokesman attributed the decision on the downturn in the U.S. economy and “lingering uncertainty” over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
– Sioux City Journal

2. Art’s-Way acquires company
AMES — Art’s-Way Manufacturing Co. Inc., a northern Iowa farm equipment maker, has acquired Universal Harvester Co. Inc. in Ames. The purchase closed on May 10. 
– Ames Tribune

3. Marshall County trailing
MARSHALLTOWN — A recent report shows that Marshall County lags behind the state and nation in areas of job growth and education. The report, released by Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Economic Development Authority in April, details the performance of 17 regions that contain between two and nine counties. 
– Marshalltown Times-Republican

4. Health-food company expands
CORALVILLE — Coralville-based B-Amazing Foods Inc. plans to use recently awarded state funds for upgrades at the production location it started last year. The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded the business a $150,000 royalty agreement. B-Amazing Foods produces a healthful baked vegetable and fruit snack bar using sweeteners and minimally processed grains.
– Iowa City Press-Citizen

5. Retail incubator planned
WATERLOO — Downtown Waterloo leaders are hoping an incubator will bring more retailers to the city’s center. Main Street Waterloo, a nonprofit downtown revitalization organization, and JSA Development LLC, which owns the space being eyed for the endeavor, are currently working out the details to make the incubator a reality.
– Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier