The old Maytag buildings in Newton were recently donated to DMACC’s Newton Campus.
DMACC Board President Joe Pugel (left to right), Governor Terry Branstad, Engineered Plastic Components Inc. President and Founder Reza Kargarzadeh, DMACC President Rob Denson, Newton Mayor Michael Hansen and Aureon Technology President Justyn Miller pose for a photo following the news conference – Photo by Dan Ivis, DMACC
This is the largest donation to DMACC in the history of the college. It is estimated to be around $8 million and over 472,000 square feet, nearly tripling Newton’s campus size. These buildings include office and meeting space.
“I am very excited about the opportunities that this gift presents. The buildings are up and running for DMACC now,” said DMACC President, Robert Denson.
Back when the Maytag factory was up and running, it had around 2,000 workers in Newton. In 2007, Whirlpool bought out the company and the Newton Maytag was shut down soon after. The community has finally begun to reestablish some of those jobs and DMACC is looking forward to contributing to the job growth.
DMACC plans to use some of the space to expand academic programs and introduce new programs. Denson has not yet announced what specific programs will be going in these buildings or what new programs will be introduced.
To fill the other office space, DMACC is partnering with businesses. These businesses will offer internships and possibly full-time jobs to DMACC graduates.
According to Denson, the buildings are in good condition and will need little, if any, repair to get them up to working conditions.
“We are evaluating them with a potential entity but do not expect DMACC to be out of pocket financially,” Denson said.
The buildings were donated by Reza Kargarzadeh, President and Founder of Engineered Plastic Components, Inc. According to the DMACC website, Kargarzadeh approached DMACC earlier in the year with the proposal.
“The Newton Campus is always looking for ways to better serve our students. The opportunity for additional program or training opportunities is exciting. We look forward to working with new business partners to make that happen,” said Mary Entz, Newton Campus Provost.
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