Ramco will continue operating Maple Studios, director says
Sheffield-based Sukup Manufacturing Co. announced Dec. 15 its acquisition of West Des Moines-based automation distributor Ramco Innovations. According to a news release, the acquisition will form a new entity known as Sukup Innovations, which will oversee Ramco Innovations and Sukup Innovations’ agtech offerings.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both companies and reaffirms our dedication to delivering unmatched value to our customers. With the expertise of our teams and foundational leadership, we are confident that together we will set new standards in the industry,” Sukup Manufacturing President Steve Sukup said in a prepared statement.
A provider of grain storage, handling and drying solutions worldwide, Sukup aims to combine its “reputation for quality and reliability with Ramco’s deep understanding of automation technologies,” the release said.
“This acquisition gives us the ability to realize the full potential of Sukup’s products and bring enterprise-level automation to farm operations of any size. We have seen the widespread adoption of our customer-friendly products, and we want to enhance that experience,” Matt Koch, Sukup’s chief marketing officer, said in a prepared statement. “After many years of development, we are excited to see our automation platform come to fruition.”
Ramco Innovations will retain its name, employees and operations as a value-added distributor throughout the Midwest region. It will also retain its current locations, including its West Des Moines headquarters and four other locations in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois and Missouri.
Ramco CEO Hank Norem will serve as chief innovation officer of Sukup Innovations, the release said. He will also serve on the Sukup executive team. Sukup Innovations’ mission will be to provide “comprehensive, high-tech solutions” tailored to the needs of clients in agriculture and industrial sectors.
Maple Studios, the facility for early-stage industrial technology startups that Ramco has housed since 2018, will operate under Sukup Innovations alongside Ramco and retain its name, Maple Studios Director Megan Brandt said in an email. Current operations and offerings will remain the same for both Maple Studios locations at Ramco and Grace Technologies in Davenport.
“I am excited about this partnership with a reputable AgTech company in Iowa that believes in innovation and supporting the ecosystem. I will continue to explore the opportunities for Maple Studios Members within Sukup Innovations,” Brandt said in the email.