Nebraskaland Aviation Breaks Ground as the First Business in the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park

July 29, 2025

Nebraskaland Aviation has broken ground at the future site of Iron Horse Ag, LLC, a facility that will hold 6,665 tons of dry fertilizer across nearly 40,000 square feet. This groundbreaking also recognizes Nebraskaland Aviation as the first company in the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park.

“From the very first day we opened our doors at our current facility in 2014, we've been dreaming of a more modern operation, says Tye Marquardt, owner of Iron Horse Ag. “One with expanded capabilities to drive innovation, offer greater convenience to our customers, ensure more consistent and timely service, and boost operational efficiencies. This new facility under Iron Horse Ag fulfills that dream.”

The development of the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park has also been a decade-long project by the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC). Learn more about this partnership and how Phelps County is poised for growth.

Nebraskaland Aviation Supports Farmers Across the Region

In his groundbreaking remarks, Marquardt highlighted his gratitude for his customers and emphasizes how the new facility will allow Nebraskaland Aviation to better support farmers across Nebraska and Kansas.

“Farmers are the heartbeat of this project,” he says. “Your resilience, dedication, and stewardship of the land inspire everything we do. From the multigenerational family farms we've partnered with since our early days to the innovative growers pushing boundaries in corn and soybean yields, your challenges and successes shape our solutions.”

The groundbreaking also received recognition from Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, who issued a statement about the event.

“The creation of this plant will mark a major milestone for the community of Holdrege and the state of Nebraska,” says Gov. Pillen. “It will grow local business, create jobs, and strengthen our agricultural backbone.”

The Iron Horse Business and Industry Park is a PCDC Project

The Iron Horse Business and Industry Park sits on land purchased by PCDC in 2014. It is a 134-acre hub with seamless rail access, proximity to major highways and interstates, expandable power and utilities, and shovel-ready sites. The Park is just 18 miles from I-80. As the first business to break ground at the Park, Iron Horse Ag is leading the way in growth for Phelps County.

“We must acknowledge the incredible foresight, strategic vision, and thoughtful planning of PCDC in developing the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park,” says Marquardt. “Not only [does it] position Phelps County as a prime destination for agribusiness expansion, but it also opens doors for diverse industries to thrive.”

The Park currently has 81.5 acres available for development, with multiple lots in diverse sizes that can accommodate different industry needs.

“This project is a perfect example of what’s possible when people make a commitment to work as partners to accomplish hard things,” said Ron Tillery, executive director of PCDC. “This project included a lot of moving parts that required coordination, ranging from engineering, rail design, utilities, and other infrastructure. Tye’s team handled everything quickly, professionally, and effectively. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Iron Horse Ag is Made Possible by State and Local Partnerships

While PCDC played a significant role in developing the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park, the groundbreaking of Iron Horse Ag wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several organizations across Nebraska.

Marquardt also thanked OmniTrax for its investment in rail infrastructure, Black Hills Energy for its natural gas investment, and Stueve Construction for its innovative designs. He credited the Holdrege Chamber of Commerce for its unwavering support and the City of Holdrege for providing TIF support.

When several partners work together because they believe in a region, new businesses can thrive. Government, infrastructure, and private industry invested their time and resources to make the dream of Iron Horse Ag a reality.

“This endeavor marks years of planning, preparation, and hard work,” says Gov. Pillen. “It sets the stage for future economic development and opens new horizons for this business park. This is a project that highlights some of the greatest aspects of who we are and what we can accomplish in Nebraska.”

Follow Other Projects by PCDC

Iron Horse Ag is just one project in the works by PCDC. Follow along as other businesses break ground at the Iron Horse Business & Industry Park and move into the towns and municipalities of Phelps County. Discover what makes this part of Nebraska a great place to live and find your community here.

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.