GSI doubles dry fertilizer equipment production capacity, Stueve names new leadership, Marcus welcomes new team members, and Kahler introduces a technology system.
$1.2 Million Investment By GSI
Now completed, GSI significantly expanded its dry fertilizer equipment manufacturing capabilities its Paris, Illinois, facility. The company says this focused on building out a 40,000 square feet dedicated work line to manufacture blending tower components and other fertilizer blending equipment to meet demand.
“This expansion is about focus and reliability,” Phil Brown, plant manager, said in a news release. “We now have a stable, skilled workforce entirely committed to fertilizer equipment manufacturing. That translates into shorter lead times, consistent product quality and reliable delivery for our customers across the U.S.”
The entire Paris, Ill., site is 40 acres with 300,000 square feet of manufacturing.
Stueve Construction Announces Leadership Transitions
At the end of 2025, Reynold Franklin will retire from his role as CEO at Stueve Construction and transition to Chairman of the Board. Jim Bishop, Stueve’s current VP of operations, will become CEO. Replacing Bishop in his previous role will be John Muehring.
In its construction of dry and liquid fertilizer plants, Stueve is known for its in-house engineering and on-site foremen and project managers. The company has completed more than 1,400 fertilizer facility projects.
Marcus Construction Boosts Business Development Team
Two new business development employees have been named by Marcus Construction as it aims to strengthen its design-build facility business for dry fertilizer storage, chemical and seed facilities, domes, and complex ag facility renovations.
First, focusing on the eastern corn belt, Kenda Van Wieringen joins the company brining experience from roles at The Andersons, CHS Crop Nutrients, Simplot Grower Solutions, and Watseka Interstate.
Second, focusing on the southern U.S. region, Rich Diffley has a background that includes roles with Sackett Waconia, Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals (IRPT), Anuvia Plant Nutrients, Logistec Gulf Coast, Alter Logistics, and Lange-Stegmann.
“Kenda and Rich bring an impressive depth of knowledge and industry credibility to our team,” said David Klima, VP of Agribusiness at Marcus Construction, in a news release. “Their addition reinforces our commitment to serving the agribusiness industry with experienced insight, client-focused service, and high-performing facility solutions.”
Kahler Unveils Premium Control System
New from Kalher Automation, FlexCommand gives ag retail facilities a premium control system with a single interface.
“This design is setting a new standard for automation,” said Kahler Automation Product Manager Aaron Burmeister, said in a product release. “We combined speed and accuracy with a modern compact design, drastically reducing our system footprint and removing unnecessary cabling, controllers and wall panels.”
Features include:
- windows-based HMI capabilities
- remote support
- ample memory and high-speed processing
“With measuring devices communicating directly to the PLC over ethernet, FlexCommand reduces installation costs and increases overall accessibility,” said Burmeister. “This system is also engineered for expansion, allowing it to grow right alongside your operation.”
