Miller Magazine Issue: 123 March 2020

67 TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM MILLER / MARCH 2020 Sukup Manufacturing Co., the world’s largest family-ow- ned and operated manufacturer of grain storage, grain drying, and handling equipment, made a successful lea- dership transition in February. Steve Sukup took title of president and chief executive officer from his elder brother Charles. After taking the reins, Steve Sukup gave an interview to Miller Magazine and answered our questions on Sukup’s three-generation family legacy in manufacturing, his objectives as the new president and the latest trends in the industry. He is proud that his company designs and manufactures the industry’s most technology-forward grain management equipment. With over 80 patents, Su- kup manufactures a full line of equip- ment for in-bin drying and storage, as well as dryers, farm and commercial grain bins, material handling equip- ment, and steel buildings. Pointing out Sukup’s award-winning systems, “Inno- vation is part of our identity at Sukup, and continued innovation and growth is one of our main objectives.” he said. “Our products are known for their high quality; our people for their commit- ment to innovative solutions; and our company for excellent customer service and continuous improvement.” Here are Steve Sukup’s answers to our questions: Mr. Steve, Sukup Manufacturing Co. is a family com- pany with a true tradition of its own. Can you tell us about your company’s history in the grain handling and storage industry? It all started with my dad, Eugene Sukup, inventing a grain stirring machine to break up crusted grain and produce even drying of grain in a bin. He improved the design and sales took off. Eugene and Mary founded the company in 1963. He soon turned his attention to other products that would help on the farm, such as bin unloading and grain aerati- on equipment. Reacting to customers’ needs, the com- pany’s product line expanded over the years to include on-farm and commer- cial grain bins; portable, mixed-flow and tower dryers; centrifugal and axi- al fans and heaters; stirring machines; bin unloading equipment and bin floors and supports. Sukup also manufactures material handling equipment including bucket elevators, conveyors and sup- port structures; and steel buildings. Sukup offers the largest free-span bin available in the world, at 156’ in diameter. Steve Sukup President and CEO Sukup Manufacturing Co.