Hanson Silo’s engineered precast concrete bunker silos are some of the most efficient, cost-effective, large volume storage systems available. Constructed in a controlled environment, the bunker walls are higher quality and stronger than those of our competitors. And since our products are pre-built and modular, they allow for faster onsite building times and the freedom to change configurations. Symbolizing Quality and Dependability Hanson has been rooted in agriculture for four generations.

1916

During World War I, Emil Hanson, a local farmer from Lake Lillian, Minnesota, was looking to purchase a silo for his farm and found an abundance of poorly constructed silos in the area. Emil noticed that the sand was full of dirt and clay, which resulted in poor concrete for the construction of these silos. Emil had the idea to create a more durable concrete using sand from the shore of Lake Kandiyohi, the lake his farm bordered. The product, which used a washed sand, is now used by concrete manufacturers around the world.

1920s

Demand skyrocketed for Hanson`s new silo. Newell Hanson, Emil`s son, designed and patented the first automatic silo stave machine, powered by gasoline, to increase production to meet market demand.

1930s

Newell saw problems with silo roofs being constructed of wood so he designed, patented and built machinery to manufacture the first steel dome silo roof. Before this, carpenters were building hip-style roofs for the tops of silos.

1940s

Farmers demanded a better way to dig their frozen silage to unload feed from silos. Willard and Newell Hanson invented and patented the first self-propelled frozen silage chopper.

1950s

Hanson Silo expanded their manufacturing plants to Southern Minnesota and Central Iowa.

1960s

Farmers demanded a machine that could not only dig loose frozen silage, but handle all different conditions of silage and do it year round. Willard and Newell developed their own surface drive silo unloader primarily for Hanson`s customers.

1970s

Hanson`s unloader had spread beyond their silo market area. Hanson responded by building a new manufacturing factory and established distributors and dealers throughout North America.

1979

Hanson manufactured and constructed over 600 silos out of all 3 plants.

1980s

Hanson increased production on a new industrial strength silo stave by implementing a completely automated computer controlled concrete machine.

1986

Hanson designed and built a golf car manufacturing plant called Shuttlecraft in Willmar, Minnesota, to diversify their product portfolio in the midst of the agriculture crisis of the `80s.

1990s

Hanson further expanded their silo unloader line.

1995

Hanson built their first precast concrete plant.

1996

Powder coat painting was implemented, opening the door into contract manufacturing. Truck beds, assembly-line automation equipment and electronic scoreboards for major sports complexes, among other products, were engineered and manufactured.

2000s

Hanson expanded their powder coating system from a 5-person manual moving line to the 10` x 10` x 40` batch booth and implemented a 14-gun computerized automatic spraying line. Hanson designed and built a computer controlled automated concrete batch plant. This world class plant could mix three yards of low slump 7,000psi ready mix in 90 seconds.

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