Sukup Manufacturing Co. has made Clear Lake its fourth North Iowa location. The company formally announced last week that it has begun production in the former Serta building located on 4th Avenue South.
It’s a momentous time to expand the Sukup® Dryer line. This year marks 25 years since the company started making dryers. It is also 60 years in business for the family-owned and operated bin and grain-handling manufacturer.
Nadine Wreghitt, Sukup project manager describes a growing demand for Sukup dryers.
“We have had our dealers come to us asking that we provide them with the dryers they need earlier and at a greater quantity.”
Wreghitt explained that the location of the Clear Lake plant fits well with the current supply route that brings products to each of the different Sukup Manufacturing Co. facilities. That includes operations in Manly, Sheffield, and Hampton, Iowa.
Sukup’s U.S. Sales Manager Jason Arndt said Sukup Manufacturing is boosting dryer sales to meet market demand.
“This new addition in Clear Lake is really what we need to start capitalizing on that demand and respond to our dealers. It invigorates our sales staff to be able and go out and say we can meet demand now.”
Currently, more than two dozen people are part of the Clear Lake facility. The team there is focused on producing Mixed-Flow dryers.
James Perez, plant manager in Sheffield, said he is excited about what the new hires are bringing to the job.
“We tapped into the Clear Lake market; it’s been tremendous.”Perez said many of the new team members were trained at a different site before the Clear Lake launch.
In Clear Lake, many are finding a new home with familiar leadership.
Daren Meints is the Clear Lake Sukup Production Manager.
Meints was employed by Larson Manufacturing at the time it shut down operations in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota. He said his former position there helped to bring qualified people with him to Sukup.
“My goal is to make sure the people are happy,” said Meints. “Happy people make good things.”
