Paul Mueller Company

Parallel Closed Processing Systems in Limited Space

The Challenge

In 2017, Clarkson Soy was the only organic, non-GMO soy and sunflower lecithin producer in North America. They were still manufacturing their products with the pilot plant they built 13 years ago, and business was booming. Clarkson Soy recognized the need for more capacity, both immediately and for future growth, but faced the challenge of expanding within their existing, limited space.

"It’s been great to work with such a solutions-oriented group that is really capable of outside-the-box thinking, which is a boon with the type of project we’re doing here that no one’s done before. You see that the entire company has a vision of working together. Everyone gets along, and everyone has that common goal of getting the project done, getting it done correctly and as quickly as possible."

—Peyton Bennett, Clarkson Soy

The Journey

When Clarkson Soy first came to Paul Mueller Company, they only inquired about the tanks for a new facility expansion. They planned to hire an outside general contractor to design, engineer, and build the processing system. In discussions around the tanks, it became apparent to Clarkson Soy that Mueller and Mueller Field Operations, now called Adaptive Stainless, had the resources to design, engineer, and build the two processing systems and coordinate the installation and startup as a turn-key installation to fully integrate within their facility.

"We knew about the reputation of the company for building tanks, and right away, we learned there was a lot more going on."

—Curtis Bennett, Clarkson Soy

The Solution

Paul Mueller Company produced the tanks needed to expand, Adaptive Stainless, formerly Mueller Field Operations, helped with some of the engineering as well as resources to build the processing skids, piping, the process for installation in the existing space, the utilities, and automation. The collaboration between Clarkson Soy, Paul Mueller Company, and Adaptive Stainless provided a complete installation from concept to execution.

Clarkson Soy is now well on their way to increased production with their own custom processing equipment, including a unique tanker unload system.

Project Details

  1. Built Two Parallel Systems in Limited Space
  2. Offered Innovative Thinking to Create New Processes
  3. Provide Expertise Beyond the Original Purchase