Up and running again

The Royal skyline is looking different for the second time in a year.

Five new metal grain bins were added this summer to replace former concrete structures, one of which sustained heavy damages last year during a grain dust explosion.

According to Dan DeJong, Ag Partners VP of Operations, ground excavation for the new bins began in mid-January following the demolition of the old structure. Minor work remains, but the Royal site is open for corn and soybean receipts this fall.

"We still have electricians on site as well as some millwrights finishing up some last-minute items," DeJong said. "We had a couple minor delays on equipment delivery, but crews were able to adjust and continue working so things went smooth overall. Also, the mild winter allowed crews to work almost every day, which helped keep our timeline on track."

DeJong reported that the electricians are finalizing automation of some equipment and the millwrights are finishing up low-priority items. Two bins have a 60,000-bushel capacity, while two others can hold up to 40,000 bushels. Another 10,000-bushel load-out bin rounds out the five-piece setup.

Once finishing touches wrap up, it will mark the end to a yearlong process that started when the cement elevator exploded in late August of last year. The blast was heard throughout Royal, but fortunately no injuries were reported.

Demolition of the cement structure began late last fall and wrapped in December. The explosion altered how Ag Partners handled harvest season.

"We were only able to utilize one dump pit, but it was our high-capacity pit, which allowed us to keep the lines short for the most part," DeJong said. "We also didn't have the ability to dry corn last season but given the dry crop, that turned out to be a non-issue."