Sukup Manufacturing Co. has committed $2 million in in-kind gifts towards a new feed mill and grain science complex at Iowa State University. The complex will be located at the intersection of Highway 30 and State Avenue in Ames, and is envisioned to include a feed mill tower, feed milling and mixing structures, Sukup grain storage bins, and a one-story classroom and laboratory building.
The new facility will provide hands-on learning for students across several agricultural programs at Iowa State, including a new minor in feed and grain technology. Planned activities for the facility include teaching of classes and short course, faculty research, continuing education, and industry outreach and demonstrations.
In addition to Sukup’s pledge, Kent Corporation is committing $8 million and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board is committing $4 million towards the project. These are the first gifts announced towards the $21.2 million complex, which will be funded entirely through private giving.
Charles Sukup, president of Sukup Manufacturing Co. of Sheffield, Iowa, said, “Our mission is to protect and preserve the grain that feeds the world. Key factors to our success as a company have been innovative ideas and our dedicated workforce. That's why we are excited that Iowa State’s plans for the feed mill and grain science complex will focus on innovation in support of the grain and feed industries, education of the next generation and continuing education that helps our workforce and customers keep up to speed on the latest developments.”
Steve Sukup, chief financial officer of Sukup Manufacturing Co., added, “Being part of Iowa State’s feed mill and grain science complex is a great way to showcase equipment that wasn’t even being engineered and manufactured 18 years ago. This project and the company’s new location at the Iowa State University Research Park demonstrate Sukup Manufacturing’s commitment to the research and education that moves agriculture forward.”
Sukup Manufacturing Co. is the world’s largest family-owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling equipment manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Sheffield, Iowa, and covers 1,000,000 sq. ft. of office, manufacturing and warehouse space. The company employs over 600 people, making it one of the largest employers in North Central Iowa. Three generations of the family are now active in the business.
Sukup’s product line includes on-farm and commercial grain bins, portable and tower dryers, centrifugal and axial fans and heaters, stirring machines, bin unloading equipment and bin floors and supports. Sukup also manufactures a line of material handling equipment that includes bucket elevators, drag conveyors and chain loop conveyors, as well as a line of steel buildings.
Sukup has six distribution centers located throughout the Midwest. Sukup products are sold throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in over 80 foreign countries.