Local Iowa Communities Benefit from Lundell Plastics’ Generosity

06-25-16

ODEBOLT, Iowa - The State of Iowa has historically been known to exude a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Some argue that this atmosphere can be contributed to strong family values, dedicated work ethic, and a ‘small town’ feel. Iowa-based plastics manufacturer Lundell Plastics embraces these beliefs and may have perfected this persona.

The growing plastics company, which produces quality poly products not only for the agriculture industry, but also for many industrial and custom applications, has always made a point to give back to their surrounding communities. Lundell Plastics recently made substantial donations which include a grain bin rescue tube, world record popcorn ball stand, and a unique educational grain auger display.

Nestled amongst a small farming community in west central Iowa, the Kiron Fire Department had a need for rescue equipment and Lundell Plastics answered the call. The department received an aluminum grain bin rescue tube from the Odebolt, IA company. The rescue tube, which aids in the rescue of individuals who’ve become trapped inside a grain bin, is a common piece of equipment carried by rural Iowa fire departments. Lundell is currently developing a poly auger system to accompany the tube, that will allow Kiron, IA firefighters to quickly remove grain that surrounds a person trapped inside. Typically, an auger system is made of steel, which can become quite heavy and cumbersome when being carried up and down a ladder. By developing the same auger out of lightweight plastic, Lundell Plastics will make it quicker and easier for emergency crews to deploy the auger.

“We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication from our local fire departments,” said company president Vance Lundell. “They [firefighters] have enough on their mind; the donation of this rescue tube is just a small token of our appreciation for the men and women who help protect our rural communities.” But Lundell’s generosity doesn’t end there.

Representatives from Sac City, IA are on a quest to once again become the Guinness record holder for the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball. The Popcorn Factory in Lake Forest, IL broke Sac City’s popcorn ball record in 2013. The small Iowa town sourced Lundell Plastics to create a plastic stand that will hold their 2016 world record popcorn ball entry. Lundell donated their time and materials to develop the large stand which measures 12 feet in diameter on the inside. “It was quite the undertaking,” said engineer Matt Roeder. “The form ended up being much larger than we were originally thinking, but it turned out great and we’re looking forward to Sac City bringing the world record back to Iowa.”

In addition to the rescue chute and popcorn ball stand, Lundell Plastics has another unique project in the works.

July 2016 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Plymouth County Fair in Le Mars, IA and Lundell Plastics is working on an auger display that will not only entertain children attending the fair, but will also educate them on how an auger system works. The donated poly auger display will be setup so that kids can hand-crank the auger while watching the inner-workings of the equipment. “It’s always fun to watch kids learn,” said Vance Lundell. “You can tell when they are excited about learning something new when they get the ‘ah-ha’ look on their face.”

Lundell Plastics, which was incorporated in 1981, is currently celebrating their 35th year in business. Innovative ideas continue to emerge out of the company’s headquarters in Odebolt, Iowa, and due to their dedication to innovation and great customer service, Lundell Plastics continues to see growth.

Vance Lundell (left), president of Lundell Plastics of Odebolt, and Cole Sitzmann, vice president of the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce, look over a model model grain elevator with augers and a grain elevator leg which will be on display at the Plymouth County Fair in the upper level of the fair's Round Barn.

It is part of the "AROUND the farm in the BARN" agricultural education exhibit. Lundell Plastics created the model for the fair exhibit.