Established in 1944, Aspinwall Co-op has been a cornerstone of local agriculture, serving area farmers with fertilizers, chemicals, crop inputs, and grain storage. With 26 full-time employees, the co-op prides itself on reliability.
“Consistently meeting customers’ needs is our top priority,” said Ryan Webb, General Manager at Aspinwall. “Fertilizer is about half of our business—and storing it is difficult since it creates a harsh environment wherever it’s placed. So a building’s durability is not just on our wish list, it’s a major requirement.”
“A building’s durability is not just on our wish list, it’s a major requirement.”
The challenge: corrosion and storm damage
In 2009, Aspinwall constructed a fertilizer storage building with a competitor. But by 2023, severe corrosion, storm damage, and a deteriorated tarp had made the structure unsafe and unreliable.
“As the condition of the building got worse, it became clear we absolutely needed a more long-term solution,” said Ryan. “With 12,600 tons of fertilizer at risk, we couldn’t afford delays or more issues.”
After consulting with the building’s original manufacturer and not receiving the service they required, Aspinwall turned to Accu-Steel.
“The tarp was faded, torn, and full of pinholes,” explained Jake Kraus, Engineering and Operations Project Manager at Accu-Steel. “The rusting at the welds and purlin locations was extensive, and the building needed immediate attention.”
The solution: seamless execution
“Accu-Steel assessed the building and gave us two options: repair or replace,” said Ryan. The path forward was ultimately Ryan’s choice, as he truly knows what’s best for his operation’s needs. “We chose to aim for longevity by starting from scratch with a replacement.”
The project was a success, thanks to Accu-Steel’s hands-on project management and adaptability. Ryan praised the process, saying, “Accu-Steel delivered flawlessly. They worked within our super tight timeline, managed multiple contractors, and kept everything on track.”
The project was completed section by section to ensure fertilizer remained protected, allowing Aspinwall to continue operations without delay.
"Accu-Steel delivered flawlessly. They worked within our super tight timeline, managed multiple contractors, and kept everything on track."
Durability that delivers
Constructed in 2023, the new Accu-Steel building has since exceeded expectations. Hot-dipped galvanized steel eliminated the rust issues of the previous structure, and the durable tarp provides improved ventilation and light penetration.
“The galvanized steel really makes a difference. It’s holding up great, and the building feels less damp inside,” Ryan said. “The new building has also saved us both time and money. There were no delays and the building was completed on time, allowing us to meet customer demands during our busy fall season.”
Solve your storage challenges with Accu-Steel
“While our current building more than meets our requirements, if we ever need another one, Accu-Steel will be our first call,” said Ryan. “If you’re looking for a storage building that works as hard as you do, I’d definitely say Accu-Steel is the right choice.”
Ready to find a durable and reliable storage solution for your operation? Contact us to learn more!