Grain processing and storage cooperative Centerra Co-op recently completed a $4 million project to increase the grain storage capacity of its Mansfield, OH facility by about 25%, or 5.2 million bushels.

On Mach 3, the co-op connected two grain storage bins with a new 197-ft-long, 76,000 lb conveyor bridge, Centerra Co-op said in a release. One of the bins, capable of storing 1 million bu of grain, was recently installed.  

Two heavyweight cranes and a team of eight millwrights, two crane operators, and two spotters worked for about 45 minutes to hoist the conveyor bridge and several hours to secure it atop the 114-ft tall grain bins.  

Centerra Co-op acquired the conveyor from AGI Hi Roller Conveyors and the encapsulating bridge from Lamar Bridge.

“People are so happy that we repainted the ‘Welcome to Mansfield’ sign on our silos. It’s a proud landmark. This new bin is our way of investing in the future of Mansfield in a way that benefits farmers and agriculture,” Centerra CEO Jean Bratton said in a statement.

The Mansfield location is the largest grain storage facility operated by the cooperative, featuring a processing capacity of 10 to 15 million bu/yr of grain. Centerra Co-op has over 30 facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania.