DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) ‐ At least several tornadoes tore through central Iowa on Thursday afternoon, hitting key landmarks in some cities, such as the Marshall County Courthouse in Marshalltown and Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella.Heavy rain, damaging winds and hail were also part of the system. Seven people inside the manufacturing plant were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries. They have since been released.
Pella Regional Health Center spokeswoman Billie Rhamy confirmed Thursday evening that all the injuries were minor and all patients have been discharged.
The company, which has about 2,800 employees, makes agricultural machinery, including hay balers and mowers, and equipment for the pipeline and forestry management industries.
Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa said that 400 dealers and customers were in town to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. He said operations will be closed Friday as crews assess the structural damage.
Emergency responders attempted to get inside the damaged building to see if anyone was trapped inside.
Vice President of Operations Vince Newendorp said the east half of the company's campus, which includes seven manufacturing buildings, sustained extensive damage.
He said the plant activated its storm warning system and workers were in shelters when the storm hit.