While a new, larger facility for its SEMO Tank business in Perryville is still under construction off of I-55, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is excited about the expansion, which will almost double the size of the current facility and create new jobs in the local community.
SEMO Tank has been a part of the Perry County community for 48 years, serving the tank trailer transportation industry through sales and leasing of new and used tank trailers, as well as tank trailer repair, rebuilding, fabrication, and outside sales of related parts.
Along with its main office in Perryville, SEMO has three other locations: Gator Tank Trailer in Ocala, Fla.; RTR in Springfield; and SEMO West in Portales, N.M.
According to the company, the new 57,000-square-foot facility will help SEMO serve its customers more effectively. Among the planned improvements are expanding the shop size from the current seven bays to 12 drive-thru bays, enlarging the warehouse, increasing inventory (trailer) parking, and adding more office space.
According to SEMO Tank President Robert Baker, the design layout will “greatly improve operations, efficiencies and safety.” Additionally, he is confident that the new offices will provide “a customer-friendly setting as well as an open flow for all employees.”
Note: In architecture and interior design, “open flow” refers to a layout where rooms or spaces are connected with few walls, doors, or barriers.
“The new facility will help us continue to grow our business,” said Baker. “We are excited about the opportunities this investment will provide for our customers, our employees and our community. The new facility will be situated directly across from the current location, continuing to retain the same beneficial I-55 exposure we’ve had for years.”
Construction of the project is progressing well, with local contractor Clifton Excavating handling the earthwork. Other local contractors involved include Robinson Construction, Langford Mechanical, Power Systems, and Koehler Engineering.
Everyone expects the project to be finished later this year.
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a farmer-owned, leading global dairy cooperative focused on sustainability, innovation, community, and the future of family dairies. While supporting and serving 9,500 farmer-owners, DFA produces nearly every type, function, and flavor of high-quality nutritional dairy products, including fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, dairy ingredients, and more.
