Van Meter opens green branch

Van Meter Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened a new location in Iowa City, Iowa, last week that showcases the company’s energy-efficient products and is in the process of becoming LEED-certified. Among its interesting features are an indoor drive-thru where customers can use to pick up will-call orders without leaving their vehicles; a high-tech training center; and a large customer service sales counter. The 22,840-square-foot facility features LED lighting and controls, a geothermal heating and cooling system, electric-vehicle charging stations and a 14kW solar system. The new branch allows Van Meter to expand its local inventory levels by over 30 percent. Van Meter had outgrown its previous Iowa City location and broke ground on the new building in July 2011.