Meridian Manufacturing

Source: Manufacturing Digital

Date :08/05/2008 06:09:08

What started as two brothers looking for a solution to their farming needs has turned into a massive operation that now stakes its claim as North America’s largest smooth-wall manufacturer

Written by Kellie K. Speed and Produced by Lenny Antoine

With three locations in Canada and one in the United States, Meridian Manufacturing Group was founded in 1965. “It was formed by two brothers, who started building hopper bottom tanks used for feed,” says Bernie Thiessen, vice president of operations for Meridian. “Then they decided to go to the larger tanks for grain. Now, we manufacture tanks that are used in commercial and agricultural processes, including plastics, oil and gas.”

The company produces the Grainmax, Wheatland, Stor-King and Friesen brands and is well-known throughout the industry for its Friesen bulk seed tenders, Air Shuttle Aeration System as well as Meridian double-walled fuel and specialty oil tanks and silos serving both the commercial and agricultural markets.

In addition, Meridian also manufactures the Sandstor Silo designed for the golf course application of dry, uncontaminated top-dressing sand. In February 2007, the commercial tanks that previously received the Friesen, Wheatland and Stor-King labels have now been relabeled Meridian to further focus on the branding process.

“Meridian Manufacturing started out of a need for two guys who owned a farm,” Thiessen says. “The brothers then started building for neighbors and it became a small circle of people who were working with Meridian and then people started learning about them through word of mouth. As the company expanded, we turned to advertising and trade shows. It’s been a continuous growing journey.”

Industry innovator

Meridian Manufacturing Group is the innovator of the all-welded, smooth-wall hopper bin. In 1990, the company introduced the Meridian Built Friesen bulk tender to the agricultural market, capitalizing on a unique need within the industry. Meridian is also the leader in seed handling with its seed tender units, offering efficient and safe planting of peanuts and corn. It has three manufacturing locations in Canada - Camrose, AB; Lethbridge, AB; and Winkler, MB - as well as one operation in the United States in Storm Lake, IA.

“We operate out of four manufacturing locations and have one laser plant with approximately 600 employees,” Thiessen explains. “The Iowa operation manufactures seed and is used for the handling of seed grains from a bulk situation to a planter. We knew a lot of people out there were looking for this specialty product so we did a study to find out what the actual need was.

“Based on those figures, we will be expanding our plant 30,000 square feet with 50 more employees by the fall and are looking to hire more shifts as well.”

The express-seed tenders transfer a greater volume of seed at a lower speed, reducing any chance of damage to the product. Some challenges along the way for farmers include storage and the ability to prevent contamination to provide for efficient handling.

The units are designed for both retailers and farmers interested in a multi-seasonal scaling system used in the agriculture industry for feed, fertilizer, seed and harvested crops. The double-all fuel tanks and specialty oil tanks serve both the agriculture and petroleum industries.

“We believe we have a high quality product and try to function that way,” says Thiessen. “Meridian has a number of employees who have been here more than 20 years. Employee retention is a challenge, especially in today’s competitive world. We have a good corporate structure and are continuously growing and management is involved in a profit sharing plan. We believe in the need to pay people competitive wages to keep them with the company and show them their value.”

Who is Meridian?

Meridian’s bins, tanks, silos and containers can be found everywhere from Alaska to California and from the west to east coasts. They have proven effective in mining operations, grain storage, plastics facilities, fertilizer plants, powder storage, chemical storage, seed storage, sand storage for industrial use and golf courses, as well as the oil and gas industries. To get the company name out there, Meridian focuses on advertising and participates in many trade shows.

“The company does extensive advertising and participates in numerous trade shows each year,” Thiessen says. “We have developed a good rapport with our clientele and trade shows are our greatest medium for advertising. We gain a lot of clients by getting our name out there and make quite a few contacts at these events. Meridian also has a large sales contingency of about 20 people.”

Recognized excellence

Meridian Industries (Winkler, MB) was acquired in 2002 by Westman Group Inc. (WGI) of Manitoba, Canada. WGI was named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies in 2007 and awarded Platinum Club status, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million.

“We work towards the concept of being an employer of choice because we value people,” Thiessen says. “From the employee and client to the supplier, we look at forming partnerships. It is important to us that we give each person what they need, including our employees because they are our greatest resource. I think it is important to show each employee through a program that they are valued. We have a training program that enhances how we deal with people and shows them their value and worth. Training is high on our list of priorities.”

Meridian continues to focus on offering its employees a safe place to work and that is primarily what keeps them at the forefront of the industry. “Making sure we have an environment that is safe and clean has also been a top priority for us,” explains Thiessen. “We value our relationships with our clients and the company as well as the suppliers, which has been a strong point for us. As a company, we deal with integrity and that goes for how we deal with all of the people we come in contact with.”

Click here to view the corporate brochure on Meridian Manufacturing