Northwest Iowa (KICD)– There have been a couple of notable developments for two Northwest Iowa manufacturing firms.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved tax incentives through the state’s “High Quality Jobs” program for an expansion at Kooima Ag Inc. in Rock Valley. The company plans to add both production and warehouse space and hire an additional twelve employees. Eleven of the jobs should pay at least 24.77 an hour, which is the minimum to quality for the incentives.

And US Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has named AERO Race Wheels of Estherville as her “Small Business of the Week.” A news release from the Senator’s office says the local firm has shown dedication to their customers and a passion for their sport that has propelled the company to success.

The company started as a division of Armstrong Rim and Wheel in 1995 and has supplied steel wheels to top racers including Dale Earnhardt St., Jimmie Johnson, and Richard Petty.