Crop Production Services of Harmony, Minn., is close to having their new building which will store and mix dry fertilizer complete. This is reason enough for the company and its employees to celebrate, which is why they will be hosting an open house, but the business will also recognize local heroes in September, as well.
The new building on the site of CPS was in the initial planning phase in the winter of 2015, with construction getting underway in the spring of 2016. With only a few minor details remaining the building “should be done by September 15, 2016,” states CPS manager Chad Phillips.
A new building was needed to increase efficiency, as the existing building used for dry fertilizer had “run its course,” says Phillips, adding, “it was time” to upgrade to a larger, more modern building which will also result in improved customer service.
The new building is 220 x 180 feet and holds 10,000 tons of fertilizer. Some of the features of the new building include larger capacity, natural lighting, LED lighting, and in-floor heat. Phillips notes that the in-floor heat “helps keep the building clean,” as the floor will not be wet so clean up of dry fertilizer will be much easier.
In one end of the building is the enclosed dry fertilizer receiving bay. From there, the fertilizer is sent by conveyor to be dropped into large bins for storage and to keep different fertilizers separate. The other end of the building is where the fertilizer is loaded for customers, which is also enclosed.
Phillips explains how the metered control system works, saying, “This system coordinates – each bin is a different fertilizer – with the control system it meters out,” giving an example, stating, “for a particular field if we need 1,000 lb of this product, 800 lb of another, and 2,000 of another, it will meter itself out so by the time it goes in the truck it’s all weighed up and ready to go” so drivers can just pull under the conveyor.
Increased efficiency is the highlight of the new building as, “We went from taking a half hour to 45 minutes to unload an incoming semi to less than 10 minutes to unload,” states Phillips.
“Customers are excited, especially because it will increase our efficiencies,” comments Phillips saying, “it’s a big deal” to our employees and our customers.
Another time saver to increase efficiency and also improve safety is electronic monitoring. “With this building we have implemented electronic monitoring in our trucks and applicators,” states Phillips, explaining that they can look on Google earth and see where their trucks are so when a truck is on its way back they can have the next load ready for it. This also increases safety, as drivers are not on their radios calling in to the office.
With so much additional storage space compared to the previous dry fertilizer building, CPS will be able to capitalize on the markets by purchasing products when prices are low and passing that savings on to customers. The added storage space also means the company can have enough product on hand for spring when demand is high.
DCG Peterson Brothers Construction of Sioux Rapids, Iowa ,was the general contractor on the project and several local contractors were utilized, including Bruening Rock Products of Decorah, Iowa, Morem Electric of Harmony, Davis Construction of Canton (excavating), and Canton Plumbing & Heating.
Phillips, who has been employed by CPS for several years, stepped into the role of manager at the Harmony site on May 2, 2016, as longtime manager Keith Haugen decided to relinquish the position. Haugen, who began at CPS in 2008, remains a valuable member of the team at CPS in Harmony. “I have a very good mentor,” says Phillips, referring to Haugen.
Phillips grew up in Granger, Minn., and graduated from Fillmore Central school in 2004. He and his family live in Lanesboro, Minn.
Phillips states that since the project of the new building was underway when he became manager, there are several employees who played an integral role that should be recognized. Haugen, who has been in the business in one form or another for fifty years, Randy Mayer and Dean Walsh.
A Community Open House will be held at CPS on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 4-6 p.m., where “the community is welcome to come by,” states Phillips, as the new fertilizer building will be open “for people to check it out and ask questions” of employees who will be wearing bright orange shirts for easy recognition. Ice cream will also be served at the event.
Also, one day prior to the open house, on Wednesday, September 14 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Crop Production Services will host a police, fire and EMT Appreciation Lunch. Anyone in those professions can stop by and have grilled hamburgers and brats “just to say thanks” for all they do, states Phillips.
CPS is a very large company with 750 retail locations in the United States, approximately 400 in Canada, as well as locations in South America and Australia. The parent company of Crop Production Services is Echelon.
Although CPS is an international company, the office in Harmony is a local business. Crop Production Services of Harmony employs 15 people, which rises to approximately 30 -35 during peak season. These employees come from in and around the Harmony area. Several fathers work with their sons at CPS in Harmony including Phillips and his father, making it a true family atmosphere.
The staff at CPS in Harmony and their customers look forward to the conveniences and efficiency of the new building. “Everyone’s excited to get that first load of fertilizer brought in” to the building, says Phillips.
CPS is located at 13723 Hwy 52 S. in Harmony. Hours are typically 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., but during spring and fall seasons, the hours are extended as needed. For more information call (507) 886-4222 or visit the company websites at cpsagu.com and echelonag.com.
Leave a Reply