Mennel Grain West Point Gets Major Upgrades
August 27, 2025
After demolition of the existing elevator and extensive site work, the rebuild and modernization project of the West Point, Virginia grain elevator kicked off last Summer 2024. A soft opening was held for Wheat Harvest 2025 and the facility will be fully operational and open for Corn Harvest 2025.
“The renovation helps to ensure safety, create a cleaner look and atmosphere, streamline processes, and provide a much-needed efficiency upgrade for handling grain for our local farmers,” said Lance Falk, Operations Manager, Mennel Grain West Point.
Phase I – Upgrades included new towers with bridges on the North and South sides of the elevator, two grain receiving pits and a truck hoist, automated inbound and outbound scale, new electrical ethernet/IP based control systems, and new storm water system. The conveying systems are now capable of receiving up to 15,000 bushel per hour per pit (30,000 total) as well as the ability to load export containers, barge, rail, and trucks. Significant focus was placed on safety by adding all new hazard monitoring of conveying systems (speed sensors, bearing sensors, rub blocks, and touch switches).
The project also included a new HMI (Human Machine Interface) system that is internet browser based, which gives Mennel the ability to control the day-to-day plant operations, log data, and report data as needed.
Phase II – Plans include a dryer upgrade, tower, wet and dry leg, additional conveyors, and also allows us to access an existing storage tank.
Construction will start later this year and will be completed by June 1, 2026
Mennel Grain West Point (formerly known as Old Dominion Grain) is located on the Pamunkey River in West Point, Virginia. The elevators aging infrastructure – aside from new barge load out system that was built by Mennel in 2019 - and the fact that it's a critical location in our supply chain – supports Mennel Milling Roanoke, VA, and the ability to support Mennel Milling & Bakery Mix plant in Newton, NC, made the facility upgrades important to Mennel's success and sustainability.
"Modernizing this site strengthens a critical link in our supply chain. These upgrades improve safety and efficiency while ensuring we can keep pace with the needs of our growers and customers. It’s an investment in reliability today and stability for the future," said Ford Mennel, President and CEO, The Mennel Milling Company
Learn more: https://www.world-grain.com/articles/21787-mennel-grain-west-point-gets-major-upgrades
