Photo: Sukup Manufacturing
(Sheffield, IA) -- Iowa grain bin maker Sukup and other partners knew there was a severe shortage of child care options, so with a state grant, they've come up with a solution, Bin Town Child Care.
Emily Schmitt, Sukup CAO, leads Sheffield Childcare Expansion, a consortium consisting of Sukup Manufacturing Co., West Fork School District, and UBTC. Together, they secured a matching grant from Future Ready Iowa.
As a third generation Sukup family member, Emily has seen the impact a lack of childcare has had on Sukup Manufacturing Co. and its employees. More than 600 from 9 north Iowa counties work at the manufacturer. A city survey taken in 2022 showed 90+ families were seeking Sheffield-area childcare. Families drive up to 30 miles for providers and many of those families would make the switch if a Sheffield option were available.
Located in Sheffield, Iowa, Bin Town Child Care is expected to open in late summer of 2024.