Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT), a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corp., has opened a new welding operation in McIntire, Iowa, adding 40 new positions for welders, to handle increased demand for its products.

IMT has hired more welders at its main plant in Garner, Iowa, too.

Iowa Mold Tooling manufactures and supplies service vehicles, cranes, hydraulic loaders and air compressors for tire, mining, construction, material handling, and utility markets worldwide. Its parent company, Oshkosh Corp., designs and manufactures specialty access equipment, commercial, fire/emergency and military vehicles, and vehicle bodies under brands that include Oshkosh, JLG, Pierce, McNeilus, Medtec, Jerr-Dan, BAI, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline, SMIT, CON-E-CO, London, and IMT.

IMT explained that its business volume increased significantly during 2009, largely because of a partnership with Oshkosh Corp. that supports the U.S. military’s need for new equipment overseas. IMT has been designing and manufacturing lifting equipment specifically for military applications since 2008.

“With the increased workload at IMT, it became clear that we would need to expand our operations to meet demand,” explained IMT president Steve Fairbanks. “In these tough economic times, this is great news for IMT and our community. Our manufacturing expansion not only supports our military efforts, but also allows us to quickly respond to increased customer needs when the economy improves.”

The new plant was inaugurated in mid December and is running at full capability.