Fredrickson Details History of Kentland Elevator
Posted by Gregory Myers
on Nov 17, 2014
The history of the Kentland Elevator was the topic of the Kentland Rotary Club program Nov. 17. Company President John Fredrickson spoke about the company’s origins. “In August 1978, Myself Francis Sowers and his son Dean purchased and organized Kentland Elevator and Supply,” said Fredrickson. “We are now nearing completion of our 37th harvest.”
Fredrickson also stated that after founding Kentland Elevator, a few years later they purchased elevators at Boswell, Earl Park and Quaker, IL. Then in 1994, they purchased the Sheldon elevator. Over the years, the owners decided to sell the Quaker, Earl park and Boswell locations to concentrate on Kentland and Sheldon. In 1996, an expansion was completed at Kentland for more storage and this past year, the facility doubled its drying capacity. John’s son Darrell joined the company in 1985 after graduating from Michigan State University. He purchased Francis Sowers’ stake in the company and is now vice-president and general manager. Dean Sowers is vice-president of operations and manager at the Sheldon location.
Fredrickson went on to say that the company has nine full-time employees and several part-timers. “We have been fortunate to have a number of loyal customers in this area,” said Fredrickson. “This area has also been blessed with good crops over the years.”