“Sukup Manufacturing has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, which has created the ideal time to grow in locations,” said 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 Iowa State University and professionals at the Iowa State University Research Park. Proximity to these exceptional institutions will only allow Sukup Manufacturing to leverage additional talent and realize further growth and success.”
Sukup and Iowa State University already have a history of working together on the university’s behalf.
“Sukup Manufacturing and Iowa State University already have a rich history of collaboration,” Steve Sukup, chief financial officer and former president of the Iowa State University Research Foundation. “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 Iowa State University Research Park further demonstrates Sukup’s commitment to the University and the Ames community.”
Sukup’s focus is on innovation and technology for its company growth and future and hopes partnering with Iowa State University will benefit the agriculture industry.
“Precision agriculture is the future of the industry,” said Emily Schmitt, general counsel for Sukup Manufacturing. “Innovation and technology are key to our company’s future. What better place than the Iowa State University 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 Iowa State University, spoke in support of the new office and Sukup’s continued partnership.
“Sukup Manufacturing has long been one of Iowa State University’s biggest supporters and partners,” Carter said. “Their work extends through many colleges at Iowa State and their addition to the Research Park community 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 Iowa State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and from the University of Iowa in 2011 with a juris doctor and master’s degree in business administration. She most 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.
Sukup Manufacturing Co. is a family-owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling equipment manufacturer headquartered in Sheffield, Iowa, U.S., 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 United States and Canada, as well as in over 80 foreign countries.
