Jobs & Economy in Ottumwa
Ottumwa's economy carries an honest, two-part meatpacking story: a real, historically significant but long-closed legacy, and a real, current, diversified base.
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Learn moreJohn Morrell's real, historically significant, but closed, legacy
John Morrell & Company made Ottumwa its corporate hub by 1888, driving major growth through the early-to-mid 20th century -- but the plant closed in 1973, more than 50 years ago, a fact this record discloses precisely (base record).
A real, current, distinct meatpacking and food-processing base
JBS USA (employing workers from 50 countries) and Cargill (including a cited $300 million renewable-biotech cooperative with Germany's HELM) anchor a real, current, distinct food-processing presence today (base record).
Indian Hills Community College and other major employers
Indian Hills Community College, headquartered in Ottumwa, anchors real, current higher-education access, alongside John Deere, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Plastipak (base record).
Key takeaways
- John Morrell & Company's Ottumwa plant closed in 1973 -- a real, historically significant but long-closed legacy.
- JBS USA and Cargill anchor a real, current, distinct meatpacking/food-processing presence today.
- Indian Hills Community College, John Deere, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Plastipak diversify the modern economy.
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