SHEFFIELD, Iowa – Charles E. Sukup, president of Sukup Manufacturing Co., announced that on Feb. 1, 2020, and after 25 years, he will transition from chair, president and CEO to chairman of the board. His brother, Steve Sukup, who has been CFO and vice president will become president and CEO. Although Charles will no longer be involved in day-to-day operations, he looks forward to being an ambassador for Sukup Manufacturing Co. and supporting its growth and success in sales and product innovation.

Charles reflected, “While growing up, I always knew that I would work in the family business and was proud to be the first degreed engineer for the company. Evidently Dad thought it would be cheaper to raise an engineer rather than hire one!  I was one of the few students at Iowa State that knew exactly what I would be doing after graduation.”  Charles is now 65 years old, the same age as when his father transitioned from being president in 1995.

Charles Sukup has a bachelors and master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University. He served as chair of the Iowa Assn. of Business & Industry and president of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. He is a registered Professional Engineer, a professor at Iowa State University, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He also is a board member of the National Assn. of Manufacturers and chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor.

Commenting on growing up in the 56-year-old business, Charles said, “Being a part of the growth and expansion of Sukup Manufacturing Co. has been a dream come true for me. It was humbling to come back as our first degreed engineer and be surrounded by so many talented and creative people. While many did not have formal degrees, their innovative ideas were key to our early success that we now take for granted.” Sukup Manufacturing Co. has grown to be the largest family owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling manufacturer in the world.

In fulfillment of the aspiration to be family owned and operated, yet committed to the best professional management, the family shareholders of Sukup Manufacturing Co. recently elected John Lisle of Lisle Corp., Clarinda, Iowa; Drew Vogel of Diamond Vogel, Orange City, Iowa; and Eric Lohmeier of NCP, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa to its Board of Directors. Also, a search for a new CFO is being held. Charles said “It’s been the highest honor to serve as president for the last 25 years.  I’m excited for our new leadership structure and the experience and wisdom our Board of Directors will bring to the company and our future!”

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