Sukup Donates Grain Bin Houses to Haiti

**cigaretteman** · 02-12-2011, 03:20 PM

An Iowa company known for its grain bins has transformed the steel structures into houses for families in Haiti still homeless after last year's earthquake.
Sukup Manufacturing Co. in Sheffield is donating 16 of the houses to the Haiti Relief Fund.
"Being part of a family-owned business, it feels good to provide a safe home to families who have been through so much and are in need," chief financial officer and vice president Steve Sukup told the Globe Gazette in Mason City.
Sukup employee Brett Nelson came up with the idea and contacted Carlos Thertus, president and founder of the Haiti Relief Fund, which supplies food, clothing and medical equipment.
"The donation from Sukup is a key to Haiti's needs," said Carlos Thertus, president and founder of the Haiti Relief Fund, which supplies food, clothing and medical equipment.

Iowa company donates grain bin houses to Haiti

**ISUAgronomist** · 02-12-2011, 03:23 PM

That's pretty cool.

**crash_zone** · 02-12-2011, 03:24 PM

That's cool. As much as I wish money from Iowa individuals and companies went to ISU - I'm thrilled to see them donate them to MAYO or Haiti. Their donations make a much bigger impact in those areas than just a bigger stadium at another college.

**ianoconnor** · 02-12-2011, 03:43 PM

No doubt. Some things are just way more important than sports. Cool story!

**Die4Cy** · 02-12-2011, 04:46 PM

Can't imagine anything hotter to live in than a grain bin in a warm climate. The thought counts, though, I guess.

**aforstate** · 02-12-2011, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Die4Cy

Can't imagine anything hotter to live in than a grain bin in a warm climate. The thought counts, though, I guess.

The article specifically states that each has a specially designed roof that promotes air flow and cooling.

**Die4Cy** · 02-13-2011, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by aforstate

The article specifically states that each has a specially designed roof that promotes air flow and cooling.

I read that. But, are they still built primarily out of galvanized steel? I jack grain bins as a sideline and I can tell you it's typically forty or more degrees warmer on the inside in the summer if the sun is shining. I cannot imagine a roof modification (short of taking it off completely) that would make a significant difference.

It isn't a new concept. I had a guy call me last winter interested in buying a bin for that purpose, and I know there are some up in the northern part of the state.

**cygrads** · 02-13-2011, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Die4Cy

Can't imagine anything hotter to live in than a grain bin in a warm climate. The thought counts, though, I guess.

Since this is what Sukup does and is very successful doing it you would have to assume they know what they are doing.

**CycloneErik** · 02-13-2011, 08:42 AM

This is a really great thing. Makes you proud of these fellow Iowans.

As for the heat, I doubt it's worse than the homes that were there. Most of the cooling would be through windows, or via whatever they worked out with the roof.