Business Operations

Timmons Congratulates AISI’s Dempsey on Interim CEO Announcement

By NAM NewsroomJune 23, 2020
Manufacturing workers
Sukup Manufacturing Co. is a family-owned manufacturer of grain bins and dryers, material handling equipment and pre-engineered metal buildings. The Sukup Grain Handling and Storage Solutions line includes grain bins for both on-farm and commercial storage, grain dryers for on-farm and commercial operations, bucket elevators, conveyors, double-run systems, chain loop systems, pneumatic systems, axial and centrifugal fans and heaters, stirring machines, unloading equipment, bin floors and supports, drive-over hoppers, grain spreaders and Airway® Tubes. The newest addition to the Sukup product line is pre-engineered steel buildings and support towers. The manufacturing facilities in Sheffield, Iowa, include a number of welding robots, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining center, CNC punching centers, lasers, and numerous roll-forming machines. Nearly 30% of their full-time employees have been with the company for more than 10 years. Eugene Sukup, founder of the company, served as president for 32 years, and turned over the position to his son, Charles Sukup, in 1995. Eugene now serves as Chairman of the Board. Eugene’s wife of over 60 years, Mary, serves as Corporate Secretary.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement after the American Iron and Steel Institute, a member of the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations, named Kevin Dempsey as interim CEO. This follows the planned retirement of CEO Thomas Gibson, announced in March.

“Kevin Dempsey’s expertise, experience and stellar reputation demonstrate that AISI will be in good hands as he builds on Tom Gibson’s legacy. He’s a proven, trusted and respected leader who will ensure a seamless transition for America’s steelmakers. I look forward to working with Kevin through the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations as the entire manufacturing industry navigates the historic challenges of COVID-19 and helps lead our economic recovery and American renewal. More than ever, the nation is counting on the united efforts of manufacturers—and the entire business community—to move our nation forward.

“Throughout his 12 years at AISI, Tom has been a forceful advocate for America’s manufacturing workers and the steel industry in North America. It has been my privilege to call him a friend, a colleague and a chair of the CMA. I congratulate Tom on an impressive career and wish both Tom and Sheila well as he embarks on a happy and active retirement.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org