IPI Blog

Fort Madison Fulfills Largest Mattress Order in Shop History

2025-09-08T15:32:18-05:00

Earlier this month, Fort Madison Textiles wrapped production on the single largest mattress order in the shop's history! The Fort Madison shop, located inside the Iowa State Penitentiary, specializes in producing textile products such as coats, jeans, jumpsuits, pillows and mattresses, which are often purchased by the institutions around the state. Furthermore, over the past several years, IPI has made a concerted effort to expand our mattress offerings in accordance with customer pricing and quality values.

In July, Newton Correctional Facility placed a record-sized order for a total of 845 mattresses. NCF was looking to replace each and every one of their existing mattresses in one fell swoop, hence the large order quantity. A project of this magnitude required the increased effort from almost the entire shop. However, Fort Madison staff would like to specially recognize the impact of a few key individuals.

I/I's Kalar and Johnson are assigned to the cut table where material is cut to size to be used for the final product. They did a great job cutting, sorting and accounting for the material inventory. I/I's Hilgendorf and Corwin handled the vast majority of the sewing, stuffing and gluing operations, which takes a vast amount of effort, especially for an order this large.

The completion of this order ahead of schedule is not only a feat on its own, but a testament to the work ethic and problem solving abilities of the fine individuals at the Fort Madison shop, as well as the strong team environment that is fostered there. Kudos to the guys at Fort Madison for a job well done!

IPI Deals Out Cold Case Playing Cards

2025-06-25T09:13:36-05:00

According to current data, there are currently over 400 cold cases in Iowa, ranging from homicides, unidentified remains, and missing persons cases. However, just because a case has gone cold doesn't mean that all hope is lost for uncovering answers.

On April 16, 2025, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird held a press conference where she unveiled a major initiative to crack some of Iowa's coldest cases and provide closure to affected loved ones. Introducing: Iowa Cold Case Playing Cards, which will be distributed to inmates in Iowa's correctional facilities and jails with hopes that individuals with tips and information will come forward to aid investigators.

The idea of custom card decks featuring unsolved cases is not a new concept. In fact, cold case playing cards have been created and distributed in several other states, such as Kansas, Washington, and Florida among others. Furthermore, it's been reported that several cold cases from across the country have been solved thanks to leads obtained as a result of these special decks.

IPI played a significant role in the creation of the playing cards, creating the designs, die-cutting the individual cards, and producing the outer boxes for each deck. The final card designs were decided via a contest-style selection process, in which members from our talented design team submitted their ideas to be chosen for the end product. The cards themselves ran through IPI's Graphic Arts print shop at Anamosa State Penitentiary, which provided the incarcerated men in the program with valuable training hours and experience operating the necessary equipment. The Graphic Arts shop provides approximately 25,000 hours of training annually for participants, with this playing card project contributing greatly to this year's figure.

IPI is proud to have been the provider for this first edition run of playing cards, which will hopefully generate leads and information to help solve cases and provide answers. Approximately 10,000 decks were produced for this first run, and we look forward to the potential opportunity to collaborate on more products that can lead to positive change. Thank you to the Iowa DOC, Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Police Chief's Association, Iowa Sheriffs & Deputies Association, Iowa Department of Public Safety - DCI, and the Iowa County Attorneys Association for bringing this project to fruition!

If you have any information regarding a cold case, please contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 800-242-5100 or email coldcase@ag.iowa.gov.

Project Spotlight: University Commons Areas

2020-09-21T10:00:00-05:00

Iowa Prison Industries was pleased to install furniture on several projects on Iowa’s University campuses this summer and fall including two large commons areas.

Iowa State University: Memorial Union Food Court Commons Area

The newly remodeled Memorial Union commons and dining center features A-frame tables, pedestal tables, stools, and chairs from Iowa Prison Industries. On this project, the project designers chose unique combinations of woods, wood-grain laminates, and darker paint colors to create a modern, industrial look. The sturdy furniture is sure to last Iowa State University for years to come, even with heavy use from the students. While this area is currently at reduced capacity due to COVID-19, the space can hold around 400 students.

University of Northern Iowa: Noehren Hall Commons Area

A face-lift in the Noehren Hall commons area has created a combination of semi-private booths and large open tables for students to use the space in various ways. Heavy, industrial style tables will hold up to years of student use. The University chose easy-to-clean fabrics in fun, university colors for this casual space. In-Motion hexagon stools are on casters, allowing students to move them around the room as needed.

IPI enjoys working on unique projects such as these that demand modern designs. By working outside our standards, both our staff and incarcerated workers gain new skills by trying new designs and processes and working with different materials. IPI looks forward to the next custom projects that the Regents Universities may bring our way!

Project Spotlight: FY20 Furniture Project Highlights

2020-08-31T08:52:00-05:00

IPI is fortunate to work with a variety of customer organizations, which results in an array of different project installations every year. The below are just a few of the furniture projects that IPI completed in FY2020.

Clear Creek Amana CSD: Classroom Furniture

Iowa Western Community College: Lockers

Community Baptist Church Ankeny: Customer Furniture

City of McGregor: Pocket Park Furnishings & Signage

Iowa State University: Dining Booths & Tables

Altoona City Hall & Police Department: Furniture

Panorama CSD: Classroom Furniture

University of Northern Iowa: Dining Furniture

For more project photos, please visit the Project Photos webpage.

Project Spotlight: Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Remodel

2020-08-10T08:30:00-05:00

At the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, this summer’s Basic Academy Classes are much different than previous years. The classes started virtually due to COVID-19, but students have since been able to move into the newly remodeled ILEA building at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. IPI was pleased to be able to supply new furniture for the dormitory rooms, training classrooms, open offices, and cafeteria.

		Open Offices When staff returns to the office, they will be greeted with new modular furniture in IPI’s new Legion Modular System. Office spaces include roomy workstations, plenty of storage, and glass dividers to provide sound and germ barriers while still offering an open feel.
		Dormitory Rooms Each room is furnished with Hawthorn Single Beds with Panel Ends, new custom 6” mattresses, and tables and chairs for studying.
		Training Rooms While the training rooms are currently not being used due to COVID-19 restrictions, future classes will benefit from tiered tables and seating. Students in the front of the classroom will utilize standard height tables, but the back rows of tables are standing height to allow those students better viewing as well as the option to sit or stand. The tables feature flip-up tops for easy storage and both the tables and chairs have casters for mobility and flexibility.
		Cafeteria The updated cafeteria features all new tables in a combination of cafe and standard heights along with comfortable Sitka Sled Base Chairs and Cafe Stools.

Iowa Prison Industries would like to thank Director Judy Bradshaw, Assistant Director Rachael Krier, and all the ILEA staff for the opportunity to work on this project. The newly remodeled building provides students with a comfortable, inviting space for their training while providing incarcerated individuals in multiple IPI shops with valuable work training.

Homes for Iowa Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony

2019-07-01T01:59:00-05:00

With there being a shortage in affordable rural housing, and a lack of skilled workers, non-profit organization Homes for Iowa is the solution to meet the demand of good quality homes for citizens and communities that need them.

On June 20, 2019, Homes for Iowa held a groundbreaking ceremony at its 100 acre site at the Newton Correctional Facility. Speakers included Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa Finance Authority/Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, Iowa Department of Corrections Director Beth Skinner, State Senator Mark Lofgren, and Home Builders Association of Iowa Executive Director Jay Iverson.

Governor Kim Reynolds shares, “In Iowa we believe in second chances, and believe in building futures, and we believe in dignity and worth and beauty, and grace, and that's exactly what Homes for Iowa is all about. It is a common sense solution that's set to bring a new pool of talent to the workforce, close the housing gap in rural Iowa, and open doors for Iowans on the road to redemption.”

Modeled after South Dakota's “Governor’s House” program, individuals, cities, or developers can apply and start the process for a house through Homes for Iowa. Any family, earning below the state median, $73,100 per year, would qualify for a home. Homes for Iowa's goal is to keep the price of the homes at around $125,000. Iowa Prison Industries will then oversee the construction of the homes, where inmates from the Newton Correctional Facility will be building 2-3 bedroom houses. This program will allow inmates to gain experience in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and the construction industry which will give them the skills to find jobs after their release and help reduce recidivism.

“This is a partnership that I believe will truly change lives for Iowans who seek a second chance, and possibly a generational change for their families, when incarcerated individuals in this program transition back into their communities.” shares Adam Gregg, Iowa's Lieutenant Governor.

These houses will be built at the Newton Correctional Facility, on a ten-acre, fenced-in site, and then the homes will be delivered in one piece to wherever they are placed. This self-sustaining program will help communities grow in rural areas.

“If you were to ask 100 people the purpose of the correctional system, I think people would have very different answers. Some would say it's to incarcerate, deprivation of freedom as a penalty for having broken the law. Some people would say it's to rehabilitate, to make a person better than when they came in, to refrain from future violation and laws. Personally for long time, I have been under the belief that these two concepts are not mutually exclusive, and at Iowa Corrections, they are not. The official launch of Homes for Iowa is just a great example of how we can safely incarcerate, and provide the work skills necessary that make it possible to rehabilitate. We are one of the few projects that offers so much promise under one simple concept.” says Beth Skinner, the new Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

This year, Homes for Iowa plans to build 4 homes which will all go to Marshalltown in relief from last years tornado damage. The house layout will be 1,200-square-foot, two or three-bedroom, two-bathroom, energy-efficient home with an open floor plan. Eventually, the State’s goal is to build 875 homes in the next decade at the Newton site with about 100 low to medium security incarcerated individuals in the program at a time.

To continue to follow Iowa Prison Industries journey with Homes for Iowa, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Also stay up to date on our blog for any updates.

To learn more about Homes for Iowa, contact Dan Clark, Iowa Prison Industries Director, and Homes for Iowa board member.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website www.iaprisonind.com

Customer Spotlight: Burlington Police Department

2018-07-16T08:00:00-05:00

The Burlington Police Department moved into an old bank after completely renovating the interior and furnishing with IPI products. The new building will give them plenty of room to grow in the future.

Major Grimshaw spearheaded the project, but Kristin Eland, Fiscal Officer, and the new police Chief Dennis Kramer (previous chief retired during the project) helped along the way. IPI Sales Representative Tammy Nielsen met with the group several times to discuss the program and how IPI could add value to their project. IPI was honored to be selected to furnish the building. The furniture included custom desks, conference room tables, chairs, break room furniture, interrogation/interview furniture, training room tables/chairs and a variety of speech podiums and common area/lobby furniture. All of the IPI furniture shops had products specified in the project. Fort Madison staff Tony Ellison headed up the installation with the assistance of Tammy.

IPI would like to thank the staff at the Burlington Police Department for giving us this opportunity and providing countless training opportunities for incarcerated individuals throughout IPI from CAD design to data entry to production.

Customer Spotlight: Cambridge Memorial Library

2018-04-09T08:00:00-05:00

At the beginning of February, the Cambridge Memorial Library opened its doors to the town’s patrons in a brand new library space! IPI Sales Representative Tammy Nielsen had been working with the City of Cambridge staff to plan furniture for the new space for about six months.

Together, Nielsen and the staff planned and picked pieces for the new library. The furniture update resulted in an inviting, open and cozy space for Cambridge residents to enjoy.

The project was a collaboration of furniture pieces from several IPI furniture shops. Metal Furniture in Anamosa supplied the bookcases and several tables for the library. Mission lounge furniture was produced in the Anamosa Custom Wood shop. Other chairs were upholstered and assembled at the Panels & Seating shop in Mitchellville. The Des Moines Move & Install team installed most of the furniture.

IPI is currently building additional furnishings including more seating, tables and bookcases for the library. Nevertheless, Cambridge patrons are already welcome to enjoy the updated space.

IPI would like to thank Cambridge City Council Member Tricia Todd, City Clerk Deb Thompson, Public Works Director Dale Hennick and Former Mayor Scott DeYoung for supporting our inmate work training programs.

Project Spotlight: St. Paul’s United Gets a Furniture Update

2017-12-26T08:00:00-06:00

The St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, IA recently completed a refurbishment project with Iowa Prison Industries. The church wanted to update old, worn out furniture, but decided the pieces still had years of use left in them. The refurbished pieces included a chest, side chairs, a table with two pull out leaves, a sofa, several floor chairs and a library table.

IPI's Furniture Restoration program is a great option for an organization that needs old furniture brought back to life. Restoration saves our customers money by not having to purchase an entirely new set of furniture, rather old furniture is made to feel like new. It is also doing good things for the environment, because furniture restoration keeps used furniture out of landfills.

Member and volunteer for St. Paul’s United, Lois Mather, communicated with the IPI team throughout the project. The furniture was stripped, repaired and refinished. The finished pieces look brand new, and will last and fill the church’s needs for many years to come.

“The pieces are lovely and we are most pleased and excited about their appearance,” Mather said, “Please extend our gratitude to the men and women who made this transformation possible.”

To learn more about IPI’s Furniture Restoration, please contact one of our Furniture Sales Representatives.

Habitat for Humanity Cabinetry Program

2017-10-09T08:00:00-05:00

IPI’s Fort Madison Furniture operation is pleased to have a cooperative partnership with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of Iowa. This partnership started in 2003 as a challenge and a hope… to help the needy in the state and give incarcerated individuals the ability to give back to society. Since then, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities have been produced for HFH affiliates across Iowa in our shop. IPI is fortunate to be partnering with all 29 HFH affiliates across the State of Iowa for their cabinetry needs.

By 2005, HFH Iowa had constructed 500 houses in Iowa. Just 6 short years later, that number doubled to 1,000. Over 3,000 individuals now live in safe, affordable homes. That is more than the population of 817 of the 947 communities in Iowa! More than 90% of those HFH homes have IPI cabinetry.

At IPI there are approximately 15 full time inmates assigned to building/finishing/wrapping of the cabinets. Most incarcerated individuals in Fort Madison Furniture get to help in the program at some point in their training. Senior Technician Brad Kite is newly assigned as the HFH program supervisor with Production Coordinator Bryan Koechle as his mentor. Over Bryan’s career, this program has been one of the most beneficial programs to inmates and staff in Fort Madison.

IPI’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity is consistent with our mission, as it provides the incarcerated individuals meaningful work opportunity, the ability to give back to the community in a positive manner, and the opportunity for the individual to learn marketable skills. This collaborative effort creates a win-win situation for low-income families, the disabled, incarcerated individuals, and Habitat affiliates. The rewards to inmates of learning marketable skills and helping others provide enormous benefits to the Department of Corrections, incarcerated invididuals, and the people of Iowa as a whole.