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GEAPS/K-State Receive $100,000 Equipment Donation from Sukup Manufacturing Co to Help Support Hands-On Training (HOT) Program

Published: Oct 06, 2017 by Rebecca Jackson

GEAPS/K-State Receive $100,000 Equipment Donation from Sukup Manufacturing Co to Help Support Hands-On Training (HOT) Program

GEAPS and Kansas State University (K-State) are pleased to announce the receipt of over $100,000 in equipment from Sukup Manufacturing Co for the Hands-On Training (HOT) Program. The company donated a bin sweep, chain conveyor and incline conveyor for use in the program.

The HOT Program is a new, interactive training option from GEAPS and K-State available for the first time in December. It teaches grain handling and processing maintenance professionals how to repair and maintain common grain conveying equipment through demonstrations, practice and immediate feedback from instructors.

“Sukup’s generous donation supports this innovative training from GEAPS and K-State. Without the backing of companies like this, it would be impossible to fund development of programs needed to train the next generation of grain industry operations professionals to safely and sustainably feed the world,” said Barb Kraft, GEAPS International president, and director of compensation and benefits, Landus Cooperative.

Sukup is one of two 5 Star Donors to the program.

“We truly appreciate the generosity of Sukup Manufacturing Co and all of our program donors. The HOT Program will be a terrific resource for operations and maintenance professionals. The ability to gain experience on real equipment without incurring any downtime at your facility is incredibly valuable,” said Marcus Neal, GEAPS International Board chair, and director of facility operations, Lansing Trade Group.

About the HOT Program

The innovative two-and-a-half day training program has participants working in small groups to repair common grain conveying equipment.  The program takes place at Kansas State University in the Hal Ross Flour Mill, Dec. 12-14, 2017. After a safety orientation, participants are divided into six groups, working on: bucket elevator, distributors, screw conveyors, bin sweep, chain conveyors and belt conveyors. Learn more about the training, or view course instructors online.

The program costs $1,375 for GEAPS members and $1,725 for non-members. It can accommodate a maximum of 30 participants. Upon completion, participants will earn at least two continuing education units (CEUs) from GEAPS and Kansas State University and a certificate of completion. Registration is now available on the HOT Program Website.

About GEAPS
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international professional association that supports its members and the industry by serving as The Knowledge Resource for the world of grain handling and processing industry operations. GEAPS addresses the industry’s critical grain handling, storage and processing operations needs by providing the finest networking, professional development programs, and access to a global marketplace of equipment, services and technology solutions providers. GEAPS’ global network of industry professionals includes more than 2,800 individual members from about 1,150 companies.

About Sukup Manufacturing Co

Sukup Manufacturing Co. is the world’s largest family-owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling equipment manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Sheffield, Iowa, and covers 1,000,000 sq. ft. of office, manufacturing and warehouse space. Sukup 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.

The Sukup Commercial product line includes grain bins which can hold up to 1.93 million bushels of grain in a 156’-diameter and 153,00 bushels in a 48’- diameter cone-bottom bin; zero entry commercial sweeps up to 10,000 bushels per hour in either a paddle or auger style; bucket elevators and conveyors capable of moving 60,000 bushels per hour; tower dryers up to 12,000 bushels per hour; and a complete line of pre-engineered steel buildings.

Sukup has six distribution centers located throughout the Midwest. Sukup products are sold throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in over 80 foreign countries. www.sukup.com