Sukup Manufacturing Co. has announced it will open an office location in the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames. The office will be open after Sept. 1.

“Sukup Manufacturing has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, which has created the ideal time to grow in locations,” says Charles Sukup, company president. “We view opening this new office in Ames as an opportunity to capitalize on the engineering and technical expertise of both students at ISU and professionals at the ISU Research Park. Proximity to these exceptional institutions will only allow Sukup Manufacturing to leverage additional talent and realize further growth and success.”

Steve Sukup, company CFO and former ISU Research Foundation president, says “Sukup Manufacturing and ISU already have a rich history of collaboration. Most recently, we dedicated Sukup Hall as part of the Biorenewables Complex in 2014 and the Sukup Endzone at Jack Trice Stadium in 2015. Taking this next step to create a home for the company at the ISU Research Park further demonstrates Sukup’s commitment to the university and the Ames community.”

Innovation, technology future of ag
“Precision agriculture is the future of the industry,” says Emily Schmitt, general counsel for the firm. “Innovation and technology are key to our company’s future. What better place than the ISU Research Park to access the skills, knowledge and resources to bring technology to farmers and help them be more productive than ever before.”

Steve Carter, president of ISU Research Park, adds, “Sukup Manufacturing has long been one of our biggest supporters and partners. Their work extends through many colleges at Iowa State and their addition to the Research Park is a natural extension of that. We are thrilled to have them, and look forward to working with them to grow their presence here. They are a world-class company, and we hope to continue to build upon the great Sukup legacy at Iowa State with their presence here.” 

Sukup Manufacturing has hired Rachel Geilenfeld as its public relations manager who will work out of the Ames office. Geilenfeld graduated from ISU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and from the University of Iowa in 2011 with a juris doctor and Master of Business Administration. She recently served in the Division of Medicaid Services at the state of Wisconsin and worked as public policy counsel for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.

Family-owned, Iowa-based manufacturer
Sukup Manufacturing Co. is the world’s largest family-owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling equipment manufacturer. It’s headquartered in Sheffield, Iowa. The firm 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 throughout the Midwest. Sukup products are sold throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in over 80 foreign countries.

Source: Sukup Mfg. Co.