Keeping America's Harvest Moving
In Atchison, Kansas, hard work is more than a value, it's a way of life.
For local equipment manager Tim Kramer, it all began on a family farm that has been in his family since it was first homesteaded generations ago. Everyone had a role growing up. His father managed the dairy operation, Tim worked with the hogs, his brothers cared for the cattle, and the crops helped support it all.Those early years taught him how to solve problems, work hard and understand the importance of keeping equipment running. After high school, he attended diesel mechanic school before eventually joining the grain industry. More than 35 years later, Tim still approaches every day with the same mindset.
"I like to look at stuff, figure out what's wrong, correct it, and then see the result." Today, he helps oversee maintenance at a major grain-processing facility in Atchison. The operation serves as a critical link between farmers and the companies that turn agricultural products into food.
"We're buying a product directly from the farmer," Tim explains. "We're kind of the middle handler. We process it and send it out to other companies that end up putting it into food products."
That responsibility isn't lost on him. Every day, trucks arrive from local farms. Railcars move products in and out of the facility. Customers count on deliveries. Farmers count on markets. And keeping everything moving depends on reliable equipment and the people behind it.
One of the most important pieces of equipment on site are the Shuttlewagon railcar movers.The facility first purchased a Shuttlewagon in the early 1990s as it searched for a better way to move railcars efficiently and reliably. What began as a piece of equipment quickly became a partnership.
As one of the company's early customers, he regularly worked with Shuttlewagon engineers to troubleshoot issues and improve machine designs. Several of his ideas eventually found their way into future machines.
"They actually called me and asked how we fixed a problem," he says. "They said, 'That's a pretty good idea.' Then they started implementing it on other machines."
That willingness to listen left a lasting impression.
"They've always been receptive. When you come up with ideas or improvements, they listen."
When it came time to replace equipment years later, the facility didn't simply order another machine. Instead, they brought in multiple railcar mover brands, put them to work, and gathered feedback from the operators who would use them every day."If operators don't like a piece of equipment, you're not going to get the performance out of it."
After evaluating the options, the team chose Shuttlewagon again.
Operators appreciated the Shuttlewagon's cab design and enhanced visibility, which provided clear sightlines to railcars, crossings, and surrounding work areas. Maintenance personnel also praised the easy access to service points, helping simplify routine maintenance. Together, these features contributed to reliable performance in a demanding operation that runs around the clock.
Today, two Shuttlewagon units operate around the clock, helping keep the facility moving. Supporting that equipment is Foley Industries' railcar service team, including Railcar Product Support Representative Bryant Getz, who serves as a key liaison between the customer, Foley, and Shuttlewagon.
Like any partnership, there have been opportunities to learn and improve along the way. What stands out most is Foley Industries' willingness to listen, respond, and work through challenges together.
"Bryant has been very good about jumping on things," he says. "If I mention something or bring up a topic, he'll get help find answers."
Continuous improvement is a mindset Tim brings to every aspect of the operation. "You've got to keep growing and learning," he says. "If you don't, somebody's going to pass you up."It's a philosophy that has guided his career for more than three decades—and one that continues to shape the culture of maintenance and reliability at the facility today. Most people will never see the work happening behind the scenes at a grain facility.
They'll never see the railcars being moved, the equipment being maintained, or the teams working around the clock to keep products flowing through the supply chain.
Yet those efforts play a critical role in delivering food products to communities across the country. Every loaf of bread, every bag of flour, and countless other products begin with dedicated people who show up each day, solve problems and keep operations moving. At the heart of that effort are partnerships built on trust, responsiveness and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
In Atchison, Kansas, that's a responsibility and a partnership worth taking pride in.