Building with Purpose: Wins for Craftsmanship and Community Commitment
On April 10, we were recognized with multiple awards at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Iowa Excellence in Construction Awards Gala in Des Moines, IA. We received the Award of Excellence in the Specialty Contractor – Electrical: Industrial - $5 Million to $10 Million category for our work on the Cargill Inc. Glucose Production Facility in Fort Dodge, IA. In addition, we also received the Award of Excellence in the Specialty Contractor – Electrical: Industrial – Over $10 Million for our work on the Cargill, Inc. Chemical Processing Facility in Eddyville, IA. We were also the recipient of the ABC of Iowa Excellence in Community Volunteering Award. Our team received the Excellence in Community award for our volunteer work with the 2024 Northwest Iowa Flood Clean-up. To top off the night, the Cargill project in Fort Dodge also took home the overall Project of the Year Award. This award is presented to the project that scored the highest in all categories.
“These projects are an example of the innovation and commitment to outstanding craftsmanship that embodies merit shop construction. The superior workmanship illustrates the high level of quality produced by merit shop contractors,” said Greg Spenner, ABC of Iowa President and CEO.
Cargill – Fort Dodge, IA
Interstates was recognized for its outstanding work on a major expansion project in Fort Dodge, IA, for a long-time client in the value-added agriculture industry. The project added a new production facility to an existing plant and showcased Interstates’ expertise in electrical engineering, construction, and problem-solving under pressure. Faced with tight timelines and equipment delays, the team leveraged early modeling, prefabrication, and creative solutions—including repurposing a spare transformer—to keep the project on track. Strong internal coordination, night-shift scheduling, and a deep understanding of the site—built over more than a decade of partnership—helped minimize rework and deliver a high-quality installation that supports the client’s continued growth.
Cargill – Eddyville, IA
Interstates was honored with an award for its work on a groundbreaking electrical and instrumentation project at a 60-acre chemical processing facility in Iowa—the first in North America to convert corn-derived glucose into 1,4-Butanediol. Completed in seventeen months and totaling over 100,000 manhours, the fast-paced project showcased Interstates’ ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure. By leveraging advanced tools like BIM boxes, InterTrak, and SmartUse, along with strategic scheduling, prefabrication, and value engineering, the team overcame challenges including tight spaces, winter weather, and equipment delays. The result was a highly efficient installation that met critical milestones and reinforced Interstates’ reputation as a trusted, solutions-driven partner.
Community Volunteering Award
This is the second year ABC has awarded Interstates with an Excellence in Community Award. This award highlights companies that have made outstanding volunteer efforts in Iowa communities.
Following the devastating flooding in Northwest Iowa, Interstates responded swiftly to support the impacted communities of Rock Valley and Hawarden. While only a few team members were directly affected, the company rallied to provide immediate assistance through four organized volunteer efforts.
Highlights included donating and serving over 2,700 individuals with meals at a community event in Rock Valley—far surpassing the original plan of 1,000—along with a second meal in Hawarden serving around 400 people. Interstates also coordinated donation drives, collecting essential items like hygiene products, clothing, and blankets, and partnered with Van Meter to distribute much-needed supplies, such as generators and electrical equipment.
Beyond these efforts, 115 Interstates team members volunteered more than 1,500 hours in just two weeks, many on their own initiative. This award celebrates their collective compassion, swift action, and unwavering support in a time of urgent need.