What They Needed
For 3 generations and nearly 75 years, Clunette Elevator of Leesburg, IN has built its company on unparalleled customer service. That’s why the increasing lines at the liquid fertilizer facility were an issue. The seasonal stress for employees and customers was not sustainable.
“We just couldn’t get trucks to the field fast enough,” Clunette VP Gabe Ayers explained.
In planning, Clunette had earmarked a portion of its location for a new facility, but it was evident the space was not sufficient to achieve the speed and volume they required. Clunette applied some out of the box problem-solving. “After touring some facilities, I realized the maintenance shed we had recently built was the right size for what we needed, but the layout wouldn’t be standard,” explained Jared Haughee, Clunette Operations Manager.
What We Designed
Clunette sketched out a rough idea of what they wanted and asked long-time partner Murray Equipment, Inc. (MEI) if it were possible. MEI assigned some of its in-house engineers to design a fully automated facility with a repackaging center and 2 bays designed to move twice as many trucks, twice as fast. MEI also supplied the automation and equipment, allowing them to reuse equipment when possible. And, MEI recommended an installer who would be able to adapt as the facility began to take shape and plans needed to be amended.
The repurposed 90ft x 200ft facility is automated with MEI’s ICS 360 system, a repackaging system, and ICS ControlPro which interfaces with their Agronomy and ERP system. It also connects to Clunette’s existing ICS 24-7-8 Unattended Loadout facility. With clever design, all the onsite tanks were fed to the building.
Benefits Achieved
With 2 million gallons of fertilizer, over 150,000 gallons of crop protection, and 12 mini-bulk tanks to 2 automated premix tanks for hand adds, Clunette is reaping the benefits of their new fully-automated facility.
“The feedback from customers and employees alike has been great!” Ayers shared. “Customers are getting faster service, our employees are happier and can go home earlier, sprayers are no longer waiting in the field, and our administrative team is thankful for accurate inventory and billing information that is automatically brought into our accounting software.”
FACILITY PHOTO GALLERY
