Consumers Cooperative, an energy company from Coralville, has purchased Kalona Oil from Petroleum Services Co., Iowa City, and is in the process of moving its headquarters to Kalona, according to general manager Edgar McGuire.

“We took possession of the company on March 22 and are relocating our office to Kalona, as it is the heart of our service area,” McGuire said.

The Consumers Cooperative offices are now relocated in the original Kalona Oil facilities, 116 7th Street (at the corner of B Avenue and 7th Street) in downtown Kalona.

“I love small towns like Kalona and Riverside,” said McGuire, a Los Angeles, California native who now lives in Riverside and serves on the Riverside City Council.

There is currently a staff of seven in the Kalona location and 12 overall, including two fuel delivery drivers and two propane drivers. McGuire said there is a possibility that the company may expand its building in Kalona but plans to remain at that location.

Founded in l940, Consumers Cooperative supplies petroleum products, diesel fuel and propane to some 4,000 farmers and businesses in southwest Johnson County, Washington County and beyond.

“We service about a 40-mile radius of Kalona,” McGuire said.

Consumers Cooperative has three tank wagon delivery trucks operating out of Kalona, plus there are two diesel pumps next to the office building along 7th Street.

McGuire moved to Iowa in 2001 and has grown to “love” Iowa. He formerly operated two businesses in Coralville and currently owns three businesses with his brother, who now lives in North Liberty. He joined Consumers Cooperative as General Manager in July of 2020.

McGuire said he is enjoying the challenges of operating a new business and is looking forward to being part of the Kalona business community. 

Office hours for the Kalona office of Consumers Cooperative are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.