SHEFFIELD, IOWA, US —Sukup Manufacturing Co. said it has designed and manufactured the world’s largest free span grain bin, with a diameter of 165 feet.

The previous record-holding bin has a diameter of 156 feet, which Sukup also manufactured and designed.

Ground was broken for the new bin on Sept. 14, at Golden Grain Energy, an ethanol production plant in Mason City, Iowa, US. Representatives from Sukup Manufacturing attended, as well as representatives from partner organizations Buresh Building Systems Inc., a Sukup dealer located in Hampton, Iowa, US, and construction partner McGough Construction out of St. Paul, Minnesota, US.

The bin will hold 2.2 million bushels and will include 30 rings with a peak height of 155 feet and 7 inches. Construction is expected to be complete in May or June of 2021.

“This system will increase GGE’s grain storage from approximately 1.275 million bushels to almost 3.5 million bushels,” said Chad Kuhlers, chief executive officer of Golden Grain. “We currently have about 10 days of storage, and the addition of this bin will increase our storage capacity to approximately 30 days of storage. In addition, GGE will increase its receiving capacity from 40,000 bushels per hour to 65,000 bushels per hour.”

Brent Hansen, who manages commercial accounts for Sukup, added, “Our customers often tell us that adding storage gives them one of the quickest returns on an investment in their facilities. Storing grain in Sukup bins keeps it in better condition versus a temporary pile, and it’s safer, easier, and cost effective to reclaim the grain back into their processing facility. We always try to listen to our customers’ needs, which includes watching the bottom line.”

Steve Sukup, president and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing, said the company constantly is striving to push the boundaries of innovation.

“We are thrilled to again have achieved the milestone of designing and manufacturing the largest freestanding grain bin in the world,” Sukup said.