Sukup Manufacturing Co. has designed and manufactured the world’s largest free-span grain bin, with a diameter of 165 ft. The previous record-holding bin had a diameter of 156 ft., which Sukup also manufactured and designed.

“Sukup constantly strives push the boundaries of innovation while maintaining the excellent customer service and high quality that the agriculture industry has come to expect of us as a family owned company,” Sukup Manufacturing president and chief executive officer Steve Sukup said. “We are thrilled to again have achieved the milestone of designing and manufacturing the largest freestanding grain bin in the world.”

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

The bin will hold 2.2 million bu. and will include 30 rings, with a peak height of 155 ft.-7 in. Construction is expected to be completed in May or June 2021.

“This system will increase GGE’s grain storage from approximately 1.275 million bu. to almost 3.5 million bu.,” GGE CEO Chad Kuhlers said. “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 bu. per hour to 65,000 bu. per hour.”

Brent Hansen, who manages commercial accounts for Sukup, said, “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.”