Sukup
Photo courtesy of Sukup.
 
SHEFFIELD, IOWA, U.S. – Eugene Sukup, 89, founder of Sukup Manufacturing Co., died on July 12, the company announced.

“Eugene will be remembered by his family and many friends, colleagues, and members of the agriculture community as a leader, innovator, and exceptionally caring and generous person,” the company said in a statement on its web site.

With the invention of an automatic stirring machine for in-bin drying, Sukup launched the company in 1963. He was president for 32 years before handing the job over to his son Charles Sukup in 1995.

Funeral services are pending.

The company has grown significantly since its founding and now employs over 600 people and sells products in more than 80 countries. It operates six U.S. distribution centers in addition to the main manufacturing facility in Sheffield, Iowa, U.S.

Sukup’s other son, Steve Sukup, is the company’s chief financial officer. His wife Mary serves as the company’s corporate secretary.