Two German companies, organic pasta maker Alb-Gold and organic sports drink manufacturer Bionade, are to build production facilities in the Amana colonies in their bid to enter the American market, the Amana Society has announced.
Work on the environmentally friendly factories should start this month west of the village of Amana, Iowa. The plants are expected to provide jobs for 140 people in the first instance.

Peter Kowalsky, Bionade International Executive Director, said, "We have been searching for a Bionade production facility with conditions related to our company philosophy. I believe we have found a location for Bionade in the United States that feels like home. Amana is logistically ideal and reflects the important requirements we have been looking for, a natural landscape, educated workforce and friendly people."

Bionade made clear its expansion plans for the US in September last year, when FLEXNEWS reported the German company had turned down a takeover bid from drinks giant Coca-Cola.