CHS Inc. announced on June 14 that it will begin construction this summer on a new state-of-the-art grain facility in Erskine, Minn., with 1.25 million bushels of additional storage capacity. CHS said the facility is slated to be operational in the fall of 2023 and will help the company expand operational capabilities and increase efficiency across its footprint.
“Our people, assets, capabilities, and operational footprint are the strengths of our retail platform, and this important project advances our strategy to expand our customer-focused retail solutions platform, creating value and driving growth for farmers, as customers and owners,” said Rick Dusek, Executive Vice President of CHS Ag Retail Operations. “This facility is a key location in the flow of grain from the Upper Midwest to export terminals in the Pacific Northwest.”
The new shuttle elevator will bring total capacity at the Erskine location to 4.55 million bushels of storage. CHS said the expansion will also complement existing CHS grain, agronomy, and energy assets and offerings for area producers. Vigen Construction of East Grand Forks, Minn., is overseeing the project.
“Along with expanding our grain handling capabilities and value to area farmers, the new facility will create advantages for our employees, farmers, and community,” said James Hardy, Manager of CHS Northern Grain, a CHS business unit with 11 grain facilities in northwestern Minnesota. “Improved traffic flows, better operating conditions, advanced equipment, and the latest safety advances are just some of the innovations to help us provide a better customer experience. We want to get producers in, out, and back to the field as quickly and safely as possible.”