New Century FS is excited to spotlight its new Tama Center location. The wheels were set in motion for this project following the acquisition of the agronomy and energy assets of Mid-Iowa Cooperative back in December 2019. New Century obtained many key assets following the acquisition but was faced with removing them from Mid-Iowa Cooperative’s property. After extensive strategic collaboration, the New Century team realized the need for a consolidated greenfield location in central Tama County, Iowa. This site would not only relieve the spring pressure on the Albion, Iowa, chemical loadout facility but would provide the headspace for a new team based out of the Whitten, Iowa, location that was also acquired.
Tama County, Iowa, is a powerhouse for New Century FS and the GROWMARK System in terms of Energy and Agronomy market share.
The Tama Center will act as a hub for chemical and anhydrous ammonia operations for the agronomy department and liquid propane storage and delivery. It also uses Kahler Automation in the chemical loadout facility, allowing for the loadout of three automated bays which use mass flow meters on bulk chemical products to speed up the loading times. Inside the chemical shed, there is ample room for shuttle and packaged chemical storage along with:
The new location also includes an 80' x 62' shop and breakroom with restrooms to support the Tama Center operations team with seasonal readiness and maintenance.
Safety has also been a focus of the new facility. Due to its size and location, liquid propane and anhydrous ammonia vessels were able to be removed from other facilities located inside communities, and relocated to the new site, which is located in a more rural area, minimizing the potential exposure to harm in case of inadvertent release.
Finally, a new office was constructed, giving the newly united team a home base and a place to collaborate on sales effectively and efficiently.
Tama County is home to some of the most loyal and successful farmers in Iowa, who appreciate their partnership with New Century. The new team at the Tama Center looks forward to serving their farmer-customers in fast and efficient ways, helping them get what they need so they can have a successful planting, growing, and harvest season ahead for 2025.
Photos for this story were taken by New Century FS employees Amanda Rae and Trent Vollstedt.