Two business developments are signaling a period of economic momentum in Hiawatha, as Watson Metal, a newly launched commercial fabrication company, has opened its doors and CCB Packaging, a long-established packaging firm, has secured a significant state incentive award.
Watson Metal, a commercial contracting and fabrication company founded by brothers Jonathan and Ben Watson, has begun operations at 1250 N. Center Point Road in the former Fisher Group building. Meanwhile, CCB Packaging has received $343,497 in tax credits through Iowa’s Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program to help fund a $13.3 million facility expansion.
“Hiawatha has always been a city that works hard to support its business community, and what we’re seeing right now is the result of that commitment,” Hiawatha Mayor Steve Dodson said in a release. “This is exactly the kind of momentum we’ve been building toward.”
Watson Metal provides commercial HVAC, industrial sheet metal and custom manufacturing services to businesses and industrial facilities. The company designs, builds and installs metal solutions, ranging from ductwork and specialty sheet metal systems to fabricated equipment including tanks, silos, drums, platforms and handrails.
“From a custom fabricated silo to a full commercial HVAC installation, we approach every project the same way — with craftsmanship and accountability,” said Watson Metal owner Jonathan Watson. “We’re excited to get to work.”
The company is now accepting inquiries for commercial and industrial projects, including new construction, retrofits and custom fabrication work.
Meanwhile, CCB Packaging, which provides packaging services for food and pharmaceutical clients, received its BIG award through the Iowa Economic Development Authority approximately one week ago — among the first awards issued since the program launched in January 2026. The funding will support a 65,000-square-foot building addition and the installation of a new automated production line.
“It was a pleasure to work with CCB on this BIG program award,” said Liz Mathis, executive director of the Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO). “But when you see a new business open its doors and an established business earn a significant state investment within weeks of each other, that tells you something important about a community like Hiawatha.”
