Manufacturing Line Improves Grain Bin Production

Manufacturing Line Improves Grain Bin Production To increase efficiency in manufacturing corrugated grain bin sidewalls for all sizes of bins, Chief Agri has rolled out a new sidewall production line. “We’ve extended our tech to build an inventory management system into our line, dramatically reducing the need for setup and changeover times,” says Chief Agri Operations Manager Mike Henderson. “We can improve capacity by 50 to 75%, depending on bin size and demand.” In the past, especially for smaller-diameter grain bins, increased setup and changeovers were required to produce fewer sheets, resulting in time and labor inefficiencies. With the new production line, Chief expects to have material for 5 to 500 sheets in a queue for immediate launch. “In seconds, sheets will come off the line, cutting waiting time for farmers and reducing lead times dramatically,” Henderson says. “With the new line, it’ll only take about 1 hr. to produce the sidewalls for a small 30-ft. dia. bin, in contrast to about 14 hrs. with our previous production line.” Chief’s goal is to serve the entire grain bin market and hopes to use this new production line as a driver to maintain its commercial efficiency and dramatically increase its effectiveness in farm bin production. The new line is based in Kearney, Neb. Chief hopes to maintain its competitive edge without negative cost implications. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Chief Agri, 4400 E. 39th St., Kearney, Neb. 68847 (ph 800-359-7600; www.agri.chiefind.com).

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