Webster City and Hamilton County officials, along with members of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the construction site just south of Webster City on Iowa Highway 17, just across the road from Tony’s Tires for a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2021.

“We’re very excited to come to Webster City. We hate to leave Woolstock — what a great little community and we had great neighbors there,” said Tony Nielsen. “But we kind of outgrew the facility and needed to be in a little bit higher traffic area. John Deere kind of nudged us this way.”

Tony Nielsen, along with Ken Nielsen, Tyler Nielsen and Dennis Simmons, the store manager, were on hand to turn the first shovelful of soil at the building site. Tony Nielsen said he thought the location would be convenient for area farmers.

“We were looking for a spot and it took us a little while, but I think we found a great location,” he said. “We’re right on Highway 17 and just off of Highway 20. Obviously with the hospital, courthouse, USDA building going up and other new neighbors, we think we’re in a good spot. There’s a lot of farm-related things nearby and we can add to that,” he said.

Sande Construction and Supply Co. Inc. of Humboldt is the general contractor for the building project, but Tony Nielsen said they will also be calling on Peterson Construction of Webster City for some of the subcontracting work.

“We’re excited to work with them and have them be part of our project,” he said.

The new building will be a 54,000-square-foot structure and is nearing completion now. Tony Nielsen said he anticipates that all of the employees at the Woolstock location will move to the new location.

“We’ve got several who live here locally and this will be good for them,” he said.

Nielsen told the crowd that his family had traveled to Webster City many times for sports events.

“We played in Jefferson Gym and I think he did, too,” Tony Nielsen said, pointing to Tyler Nielsen. “And he’s got two more brothers and the youngest one got to play in your new gym. That’s a fancy, great facility.”

“Over the years, Webster City has been very competitive and there’s a lot of pride in the community. We hope we can add a little bit to that,” he said.

Dan Campidilli, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, said he welcomed the new business.

“We are just excited to have this new business locate here,” he said. “I do travel to Woolstock to get parts, so this will be much more convenient.”

Supervisor Rick Young, who worked 25 years for the Nielsen family, said the company will be a great fit in Webster City.

“They are very family oriented. We’ve got granddad, son and grandson here working, and there are other family members involved in the operation,” Young said. “They are great people and will be a great addition to the community.”