SHEFFIELD, IOWA, U.S.  — After 25 years with Sukup Manufacturing Co., Charles E. Sukup will transition on Feb. 1, 2020, from chair, president and chief executive officer to chairman of the board.

His brother, Steve Sukup, who has been chief financial officer and vice-president will become president and CEO. Although Charles Sukup, will no longer be involved in day-to-day operations, he said he looks forward to being an ambassador for Sukup Manufacturing Co. and supporting its growth and success in sales and product innovation.

“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,” Charles Sukup said. “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 Sukup is now 65 years old, the same age as when his father transitioned from being president in 1995.

Charles Sukup has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University. He served as chair of the Iowa Association 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 Association of Manufacturers and chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor.

“Being a part of the growth and expansion of Sukup Manufacturing Co. has been a dream come true for me,” Charles Sukop said. “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 one of the largest family owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling manufacturer in the world.

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.

“It’s been the highest honor to serve as president for the last 25 years,” Charles Sukup said. “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.”