SALEM, Ohio — Customer demand for more space allowed Simmons Grain Company, on the south side of Salem, to recently complete a massive expansion.
According to Jeff Simmons, who owns and operates the business with his family, the new equipment includes three storage bins, a load-out bin, new grain dryer and dump pit, and a 140-foot tall receiving leg capable of handling 5,000 bushels per hour.
The expansion adds just over 190,000 bushels of storage to the facility, bringing totals to more than 517,000 bushels.
Welcome addition
The project, which wrapped up in October, is already pushing the business’ efficiency skyward.
Simmons said the previous bins and equipment weren’t able to keep up with demand over the last few harvests, sometimes leaving farmers wait in line to dump grain or to wait on the older dryer to empty.
With the new equipment, the Simmonses are able to handle more volume more quickly, unload trucks at a faster pace, and keep dryers on pace with new deliveries.
One new bin is already full of soybeans; another is full of corn.
“It’s a real investment on our part for customer service,” Simmons said.
In addition to the efficiency added by the new equipment, Simmons said it also allows the company to continue processing organic soybeans while maintaining strict segregation rules.
Business
Simmons Grain Company originates and merchandises grain for farmers in the area.
The facility also has a soybean processing facility that outputs bean meal and oil.
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