Building Success through Partnership and Precision
Interstates recently completed contracted work for a transloading facility for Fargo, ND-based Anchor Ingredients in Richmond, IN. The project demanded technical expertise, strong communication, and collaboration across multiple trades. Facing tight timelines and crucial operational goals, Anchor Ingredients leaned on Interstates to deliver both the technical leadership and seamless execution required to maintain the project schedule.
The project’s primary objective was to develop an efficient process for receiving, cleaning, and loading pet food ingredients, underpinned by an automation system capable of directing different grain types to the appropriate destinations. Zach McBrayer, Technical Engineer II at Interstates, says, “The client knew what they wanted but lacked in-house technical expertise. We designed the plant as if it were our own, carefully focusing on quality and operational efficiency.”
Effective Collaboration Clears the Path Forward
The success of this project relied on Interstates’ commitment to open, continuous communication. With the client’s team involved from the beginning, Interstates participated in regular check-ins to align all project participants. Jake Dowling, Site Assistant Project Manager at Interstates, explains, “Interstates prioritized consistent, thorough communication with the client, ensuring that no detail was overlooked.” This clarity fostered trust and helped promptly address any questions or concerns.
Interstates took collaboration a step further and enforced comprehensive safety protocols on-site, including regular meetings, toolbox talks, and stringent PPE guidelines. Dustin Drewes, Senior Control Systems Developer I at Interstates, says, “Interstates values safety and taking care of our people.” Special measures were taken in high-risk areas to minimize exposure, and careful scheduling ensured work in overhead areas was conducted safely, resulting in minimal incidents and bolstering the team’s commitment to a safety-first culture.
Enhancing Efficiency through Automation
Interstates’ advanced automation solutions enabled Anchor Ingredients to streamline its grain processing operations, allowing real-time control and significantly reducing manual intervention. Dowling explains, “The facility can now optimize grain flow in real time, and quickly adjust processes based on operational needs.”
The Anchor Ingredients team provided technical input and operations experience from their other facilities to enhance the automation solution that we provided. These improvements have boosted throughput and minimized errors, making the plant more efficient and resilient.
Ensuring Long-Term Support
During the automation installation, Interstates provided critical troubleshooting support to help the client’s operators adapt to the new system. “This approach encourages site personnel to learn and troubleshoot on their own,” Drewes says. The support was structured to help the Anchor Ingredients team grow comfortable with the technology by having the Interstates team available as needed. This focus on skillbuilding promoted self-sufficiency for the client’s team.
By balancing technical solutions with a focus on longterm support, we delivered high-performance solutions for the facility and solidified our role as a trusted partner for future projects. Dowling says, “Overall, this project exemplified successful team collaboration and highlighted our commitment to quality, safety, and client satisfaction. The dedication and professionalism displayed throughout the project laid a strong foundation by working with other trades on-site as well as maintaining a solid relationship with the client.”