For more than 50 years, Roquette’s LaHarpe, Illinois facility has played a vital role in the regional agricultural economy. Originally opened in the 1970s and acquired by Roquette in the early 1990s, the site has long served as a critical link in Roquette’s corn supply chain, moving grain by both truck and rail.
When a powerful derecho storm struck in 2023, that legacy was put to the test.
The storm caused extensive damage across the facility, forcing Roquette to demolish nearly all of its grain storage infrastructure. In the aftermath, the company faced a defining choice: walk away from the site or reinvest in a community that had supported its operations for decades.
Roquette chose to rebuild.
A Commitment to the Community and the Supply Chain
The LaHarpe site is not just another grain elevator, it is a cornerstone of Roquette’s logistics network and a vital partner to growers and transportation providers across the region. With that in mind, rebuilding was about far more than replacing bins. It was about restoring trust, strengthening infrastructure, and securing the future of operations in the community.
The decision was clear: this facility mattered to Roquette, to local producers, and to the broader agricultural supply chain.
Choosing the Right Partner
When it came time to select a construction partner, Roquette sought more than a contractor. They needed a team that would listen, plan, and build with long-term performance in mind.
Valley View Agri-Systems delivered.
VVA provided a comprehensive, highly detailed plan that aligned with Roquette’s operational needs while allowing flexibility for future growth. More importantly, the Valley View team took time to understand Roquette’s goals, ideas, and expectations—creating a plan that was both functional and forward-looking.
That collaboration laid the foundation for the project’s success.
A True Partnership from Start to Finish
From the earliest planning stages through final construction, Roquette described the experience with Valley View as seamless and cooperative.
The VVA team remained highly responsive throughout the proposal process, quickly addressing questions and providing updates. Once construction began, they followed their plan closely—while remaining flexible and adjusting as needed to meet aggressive timelines.
Just as important, Valley View worked in close coordination with Roquette and the many subcontractors involved, ensuring everyone stayed aligned and the project moved forward efficiently.
Safety, Coordination, and Precision
Safety was a top priority throughout the rebuild. The project was completed with zero safety incidents, and Valley View responded quickly whenever adjustments were requested: reinforcing a culture of accountability and care on the jobsite.
What impressed Roquette most, however, was the level of coordination across all trades.
From concrete crews to electricians to millwrights, every phase was carefully orchestrated. Watching the facility rise from a bare site after demolition to the modern, fully functioning elevator was a powerful reminder of what teamwork and planning can achieve.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Today, Roquette’s LaHarpe facility stands as a symbol of resilience, partnership, and commitment to the agricultural community. The rebuild not only restored a critical piece of infrastructure, it strengthened Roquette’s ability to serve customers, support growers, and maintain a reliable supply chain for years to come.
When asked if they would recommend Valley View Agri-Systems to others, the answer was clear:
The experience was a great one and Valley View would absolutely be a contractor they would consider again for future projects.
