12 SOURCE | Fall 2022
Gateway FS Takes Proactive Steps to Stay Ahead of Crucial Crunch Times
Chris Grogan , GROWMARK Publications and Media Relations Manager cgrogan @ growmark . com
For the team at Gateway FS , a few days in the year can be critical to helping ensure the success of their growers . The company serves growers in Southern Illinois where ammonia can only be applied in the spring , making timely application crucial for their customers .
“ We found that our last two years of experience with ammonia deliveries was substandard ,” says Gateway FS Agronomy Manager Ryan Gonzalez . “ It just comes down to a supply issue due to the Corn Belt going at the same time and the supply not being able to support that .”
So , Gateway FS decided to take advantage of a program that GROWMARK announced last year to bolster the System ’ s supply chain . The $ 29-million infrastructure stock redemption program is designed to drive investments that allow the entire supply chain to operate more efficiently , such as inbound unloading capacity , as well as storage for time sensitive products .
Gateway ’ s team , along with GROWMARK supply chain teams , identified storage locations where increased storage capacity could improve service levels . This collaboration facilitated the addition of six storage tanks throughout the trade area . Tank monitors were also installed at all locations allowing both local team members and GROWMARK dispatch personnel real-time access to tank inventory levels .
“ This past year with as fast as our time frames went , we kept the product moving ,” says Gonzalez . “ There were a few bumps due to learning the new system , but we adjusted quickly .”
Gonzalez says the tank monitors help provide real-time metrics that keep them ahead of the curve for customers .
“ Prior to the tank monitors , you would have to wait and see how your overnights showed up , which wasn ’ t proactive at times ,” says Gonzalez . “ Once you are behind during those busy periods , you stay behind . So , this gives peace of mind to schedule out the day much more productively and proactively .”
“ These infrastructure and technology investments , combined with terminal diversification and preseason carrier planning , put Gateway FS and GROWMARK in the best position to win during the crucial spring planting window ,” adds Rod Wells , GROWMARK ’ s Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics .
Gonzalez says his team relies on the logistics team at GROWMARK to be on top of its game so they , in turn , can provide the customer service that Gateway customers have come to expect .
“ We push on GROWMARK logistics pretty hard to make sure they are ready , and these tank monitors really help open up the view between both parties to participate ,” adds Gonzalez . “ So far , we consider it a win for everyone , especially the end users .”