Founded in north central Iowa, manufacturer’s office in ISU Research Park is thriving

For more than 60 years, Sukup Manufacturing has led the way in agricultural innovation. From grain storage and drying solutions to cutting-edge agriculture automation, the family-owned company has stayed ahead of the curve while remaining deeply rooted in its Iowa heritage. Their presence in the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) is a testament to that commitment, serving as a hub for technological advancement, industry collaboration, and talent development.

Why ISU Research Park?

Expanding into Ames wasn’t just about proximity to Iowa State University—it was about investing in the future of agriculture in Iowa while staying close to the communities that helped build the company’s legacy.

“No matter how much we grow or how far our products reach, we will always be a family-owned Iowa company,” says Steve Sukup, President & CEO. “This company started with my father in Sheffield, Iowa, and while we’ve expanded internationally, we’re just as proud of our presence right here in Ames—where the next generation of ag innovators are learning, building, and creating the future of farming.”

Sukup’s ISU Research Park location offers:

• Access to top ISU talent for recruitment and collaboration
• Proximity to research partners advancing precision agriculture and automation
• A home for remote engineering and administrative personnel
• A powerful network of industry leaders and entrepreneurs working toward shared agricultural solutions

“ISU Research Park offers us the opportunity to innovate just down the road from where we were founded,” adds Emily Schmitt, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel. “We’re surrounded by other forward-thinking businesses, world-class researchers, and top-tier students, all of whom share the same passion for advancing agriculture.”

A Hub for Innovation

The Sukup Ames facility is home to research, automation, and next-generation agriculture technology. Their latest venture, Synk, represents a significant step forward in automation, leveraging precision ag tools to help farmers streamline processes and increase efficiency.

Additionally, Sukup’s collaboration with ISU extends far beyond the office. The company actively supports:

• ISU student clubs and engineering capstone projects
• Industry events, speaking engagements, and workforce development initiatives
• Programs like ISU’s Feed Mill, CIRAS, and ASABE research projects

The impact of ISU Research Park is already visible: Sukup’s Ames workforce has expanded from just 2 full-time employees to 23 in only two years. This rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for high-tech agriculture careers in Iowa.

Growing with the AgTech Community

Beyond its work with ISU, Sukup is a driving force in AgTech education and outreach. One example is the CropQuest Challenge—a collaboration between ISURP, Ames Alliance, and leading AgTech companies that provided high school FFA students with hands-on experience in crop protection, precision ag, and automation.

"We aren’t just investing in the present; we’re investing in the future of agriculture,” says Schmitt. “By working with students, startups, and research partners, we’re creating an environment where innovation thrives.”

“We’ve already outgrown one space, and we’ll soon outgrow another,” Schmitt says. “We see something bigger on the horizon. The ISU Research Park will play a huge role in helping us shape what’s next.”

As Sukup Manufacturing looks toward the future, its commitment to Iowa, innovation, and agriculture remains unchanged. By leveraging ISU’s expertise, building a strong local workforce, and embracing cutting-edge technology, Sukup is solidifying its legacy—not just in Iowa, but on farms across the globe.