Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Client: North Dakota State University – Northern Crops Institute’s (NCI) Feed Production Center
Facility Type: Pilot-scale feed processing, research, and training facility
Project Background
Based on the North Dakota State University (NDSU) campus, the Northern Crops Institute’s (NCI) Feed Production Center serves as a hands-on training and research facility supporting the feed and grain industries throughout Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The center provides education for feed manufacturers, supports university livestock research, and hosts collaborative industry projects involving commodity groups, technical experts, and international partners.
To support growing demand and modernize the facility, NDSU undertook a major renovation and expansion of the Feed Production Center. The project looked to significantly upgrade classrooms, laboratories, and warehouse space while doubling educational and laboratory capacity.
A key component of the renovation was the installation of a completely new processing system, replacing a pelleting line that had been in service since the 1950s. The updated system required a modern feeder, conditioner, pellet mill, cooler, and crumbler, along with a dedicated extrusion room housing an Insta-Pro high shear dry extruder. The facility also expanded ingredient storage capacity by doubling exterior storage bins.
Because the project combined research, education, and active processing equipment, NDSU required an experienced mechanical contractor capable of performing precision industrial installation inside an occupied technical environment. NorMinn Industrial was selected to support mechanical installation and equipment integration.
Project Challenge
This project presented challenges beyond a typical construction installation.
NorMinn was working inside an active university research and training facility with:
- Sensitive laboratory and pilot-processing equipment.
- Active research programs and scheduled training sessions.
- Tight access and confined mechanical areas.
- High expectations for cleanliness and professionalism.
- Coordination between engineers, equipment vendors, trades, and university personnel.
The installation required precise alignment and integration of multiple processing components, including feed handling, conditioning, pelleting, and extrusion equipment. Because the systems support research and testing, tolerances, fit-up accuracy, and proper mechanical function were critical.
The university needed a contractor capable of performing industrial-level mechanical work while operating safely in an occupied educational environment.
Project Solution
NorMinn Industrial provided experienced pipefitters and certified welders to complete the mechanical installation and system tie-ins.
Services provided included:
- Process piping installation.
- Steam and conditioning system connections.
- Equipment setting and alignment.
- Custom field fit-up.
- Certified welding.
- Integration with existing building systems.
- Coordination with engineers, vendors, and university staff.
To meet the facility’s operational requirements, NorMinn:
- Prefabricated components to reduce disruption inside the building.
- Sequenced installation around research and training schedules.
- Maintained clean work areas suitable for laboratory environments.
- Coordinated daily with NDSU personnel and equipment suppliers.
- Performed precise equipment alignment to ensure proper processing performance.
NorMinn’s industrial installation experience allowed complex feed-processing equipment to be installed and integrated while maintaining the standards required in a university research setting.
Project Result
The renovation successfully transformed the Feed Production Center into a modern pilot-scale processing facility.
Key outcomes:
- Installation completed safely.
- Minimal disruption to ongoing university operations.
- Fully functional processing and conditioning systems.
- Improved reliability and production capability.
- Expanded research, training, and testing capacity.
- The facility now supports daily production of up to 60 tons of meal feed and 24 tons of pelleted feed.
New capabilities include extrusion processing, expanded ingredient storage, improved automation, and enhanced quality assurance of laboratory functions. The upgraded facility allows NDSU and industry partners to test ingredients, develop feed formulations, and train operators using modern equipment and real-world processing conditions.
NorMinn’s installation helped bring the new system online and ensured the processing equipment operated as designed.
How NorMinn Achieved the Result
NorMinn’s success was driven by:
- Experienced journeyman-level craftsmen
- Certified welding procedures
- Careful planning and prefabrication
- Strong on-site supervision
- Communication with facility staff and equipment vendors
- Safety-focused installation practices
The project demonstrated NorMinn Industrial’s ability to support specialized processing facilities requiring both precision workmanship and industrial field expertise.