This article appears in the December 2020 issue of Potato Grower.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
– Peter Drucker
This has been one of the most paradoxical years we have ever seen. As a country, we have endured many setbacks and have learned how to rise above our challenges. The same is true for many businesses. Behlen Building Systems and Steel Vision Construction are no different. Behlen and Steel Vision know their legacy is determined by how they face challenges and opportunities.
For over 50 years, Behlen has supported the the potato industry with the Behlen Curvet. The Curvet boasts a frameless support system, which reduces interior surface area and allows for greater airflow. The interior space is adaptable for air circulation equipment, while the reflective, white color-coated exterior conserves electricity and keeps produce cooler. The surface temperature of painted panels can be 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than unpainted bare panels under direct sunlight. The structure is also weather-tight, as mastic between all panel joints and foam sealer at the base provide a protective barrier against moisture and wind. As a result, growers receive greater energy efficiency. With many years under their belts, Behlen and Steel Vision have become leading experts in potato storage by designing a building to support the success of the industry.
How It’s Made
The process of making a Behlen Curvet involves moving coils of steel through a roll-forming machine. The machine utilized for the past 50 years is fairly labor-intensive, requiring manual labor to guide the product through the system from start to finish. The punching process is functional but outdated. As a company that prides itself on innovation, Behlen knew it had a huge opportunity to update the technology of this.
Over the past year, Behlen has partnered with an equipment manufacturer that specializes in roll-forming machinery to engineer and fabricate a new state-of-the-art Curvet system, thus expanding Behlen’s investment in the potato industry. The new equipment line is now near completion. When it comes online, it will have the capacity to produce products with higher-yield strength base material than ever before. Such expanded capacity enables Behlen to maximize the use of structural grade steel. In addition to optimizing the strength of the Curvet materials, the new equipment has automated mechanisms to achieve the highest level and consistency of finished product quality with the greatest labor productivity.
History of Innovation
From the company’s creation, Behlen has been known for its innovations. The Behlen family’s entrepreneurial drive resonated through the ag industry. Their ingenuity brought about many industry firsts that the company capitalizes on today. Fast-forward to the present, and Behlen is still family-owned by the Raimondo family and boasts over 35 years of historical innovations. In 1984, TR Raimondo played an integral part in changing the trajectory of the company. His participative model of business allowed employees, whom Behlen calls its “partners in progress,” the ability to have a voice in the company. This Behlen culture allows partners in progress to make the best decisions when it comes to servicing customer needs and doing what is right. The company vision statement, “Where teamwork and change make customers and employees better off,” is a mantra the entire staff takes seriously.
When working with any company, consumers need to know they are working with someone who plans to be on their side for the long term. Behlen has the longevity to sustain customer growth.
Behlen Buildings is one of three business units under the flagship Behlen Mfg. Co. The world headquarters is located in an 850,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Columbus, Neb. Behlen exports products to over 90 countries. They also have plant locations in Omaha, Neb.; Baker City, Ore.;, McGregor, Texas; and Sarasota, Fla. Boise, Idaho, is home to a sales and engineering office.
Longevity on Your Side
In June 2021, Behlen will celebrate 85 years of manufacturing innovation and progress and 65 years as one of the few remaining founding and charter members of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association.
In the Buildings unit, Behlen partners with nearly 300 authorized builders across the U.S., each serviced by key personnel in their respective areas. The company takes pride in developing strong and long-lasting relationships with its authorized builders.
In Rigby, Idaho, one of these valued authorized builders is Steel Vision Construction. In January 2021, Behlen and Steel Vision will celebrate 20 years of partnership, which shows their mutual commitment to progress. Steel Vision operates in the agricultural and commercial construction markets in Idaho and the surrounding states. Steel Vision is consistently recognized as a top Behlen Builder; in 2019 they were awarded a Summit Award as Behlen’s No. 1 builder in the U.S., as well as top Curvet builder. Steel Vision’s knowledge and expertise of the Behlen Curvet product are beyond measure.
Today’s Opportunities
Curvet buildings are easily expandable and customizable, and are a great economical solution for grain, potato or equipment storage. With 85 years of history and innovation behind them, Behlen Building Systems and Steel Vision Construction are creating a future customers can build upon. Both are fully committed to the potato storage industry and are invested in growers’ futures.
For more information, please visit www.behlenbuildingsystems.com or www.steelvisionconstruction.com.