Topeka Foundry & Iron Works makes additional capital investment, increasing impact of expansion

Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an incentive-agreement amendment that will aid in the expansion of Topeka Foundry & Iron Works (TFI), an innovative Topeka-based machine and fabrication shop that has provided engineering and manufacturing solutions in the capital city for nearly 150 years.

Previously referred to as “Project James,” this incentive amendment builds on the prior “Project Bond” agreement approved in May 2020, as TFI needed to make an additional $5 million capital investment in the existing project. In total, the company’s expansion is expected to result in a $210,500,000 economic impact over 10 years, with $2.5 million of that economic impact resulting from the Project James amendment. The performance-based JEDO incentive for Project James is $10,000, representing a 450% return on investment.

“The support of GO Topeka and JEDO, coupled with the great people and work TFI has become known for, are key drivers of the growth we’re witnessing today,” said Jon Haas, owner of TFI, an HME company. “The expansion includes investments in new technology and building restorations at 2nd and Jackson, bringing more work and more jobs to Topeka.”

“When we talk about companies that have had a long-lasting impact in Shawnee County, TFI immediately comes to mind,” said Aaron Mays, JEDO chair. “Their continued growth and success is a win for this community.”

“GO Topeka is proud to continue its support of TFI,” said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka. “It isn’t every day we get to help grow a company with 150 years of history in our area. We look forward to seeing them advance and succeed for generations to come.”