7 minute read
Guntersville Marine Inc.
Guntersville Marine Inc. powers regional commerce through operational efficiency and a strategic port location
Situated along a pivotal juncture of the Tennessee River, Guntersville Marine Inc. has added to the growth and development of inland waterway commerce in the United States since its inception in 1985. Over the last four decades, the port has evolved into a crucial node in the supply chain, particularly for the agricultural and energy sectors.
President Mike Lueken shared, “Guntersville Marine has been a strategic part of our operations under General Marine Holdings since 1989. With facilities that cater to a range of needs from stevedoring to full-service terminal operations, we’re more than just a point in the supply chain; we’re a critical facilitator of commerce and logistics.”
Located at mile 358 on the Tennessee River in Guntersville, Ala., Guntersville Marine operates as a comprehensive harbor terminal. The facility’s strategic location allows for the efficient handling of a variety of goods, especially agricultural commodities like corn and soybeans, which are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Facilities Manager Lance Joyner elaborated, “We’re positioned at the southernmost navigable part of the Tennessee River, which is essential for the poultry industry in North Alabama. This position allows us to serve as a vital link, supporting local industries with necessary commodities. In addition to agricultural products, we handle coal coke for steel mills and other bulk commodities such as phosphate and salt. We have the capability to unload up to five barges simultaneously at our docks.”
Through the years, Guntersville Marine has adapted to the shifting demands of the market. From handling wood flooring in the ‘80s to focusing on the poultry industry today, the facility continues to support and grow alongside the industries it serves, proving to be an indispensable part of the regional economy.
Innovative operations
As Guntersville Marine continues to grow, the addition of advanced equipment such as Sennebogen 860 E and 870 E hybrid material handlers has become crucial to its operations. These machines, heralded for their efficiency and environmental benefits, underscore the facility’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“The integration of Sennebogen machines into our operations has been a game-changer,” Joyner noted. “Specifically, the Sennebogen 860 E — the first hybrid of its kind in the United States — and the more recent Sennebogen 870 E have significantly enhanced our handling capabilities and reduced our environmental footprint. These machines not only deliver exceptional performance but also align perfectly with our sustainability objectives.”
Guntersville Marine’s Sennebogen hybrid material handlers are each equipped with a 5-yard bucket and are primarily used to transfer grain and aggregates from barges directly to trucks. This method minimizes spillage and loss, proving essential for operational efficiency. Additional attachments, such as a C-hook and a 60-inch magnet, broaden the range of materials that can be handled, from rail ties to pig iron and various alloys.
“Their reach and strength enable them to handle heavy loads efficiently, which is crucial for our diverse cargo needs,” Joyner explained. “These hybrid machines are designed to withstand the demands of heavy lifting without the usual wear on hydraulic systems. This design not only extends the life of the machines but also cuts down on fuel consumption, which is a significant cost-saver for us.”
Joyner added, “These machines will also track up and down the dock, so we can do multiple barges with one machine.”
Purchasing and Safety Officer Cody Burgess appreciates that the hybrid material handlers are easy to maintain and have top-notch safety features.
“Transitioning from older models to these modern Sennebogens has elevated our safety standards,” Burgess stated. “They’re not just powerful — they’re also cleaner and easier to maintain, which is crucial for both safety and environmental responsibility.”
In addition to the Sennebogen machines, the firm relies on several Komatsu wheel loaders, including a WA320 that is used to handle a variety of tasks around the dock. Its quick coupler system allows for fast attachment changes, increasing the flexibility and speed of operations.
“The Komatsu WA320 is indispensable for day-to-day operations, providing the agility and reliability we need to maintain a seamless workflow,” said Joyner. “Once the machine came onto our facility, it never left. We also have four WA500 models that are used for moving mass amounts of material, and our two WA200 models typically move about 250 tons a day loading trucks and moving material.”
Strategic partnership
Guntersville Marine’s relationship with its distributor, Tractor & Equipment Company (TEC), plays a pivotal role in its operations. The partnership extends beyond simple purchasing transactions to integral support essential for Guntersville Marine’s success. The firm has built close ties with sales representative Conner Bussman and Decatur Branch Manager Don Burgreen.
“Our partnership with TEC began in 1999, sparked by a crisis when one of our wheel loaders failed,” reflected Joyner. “We acquired a WA320 from TEC, and it became a turning point in our relationship and business. Since then, our partnership has only strengthened and shapes the current operational capabilities of Guntersville Marine.”
Joyner elaborated, “Machine reliability has been phenomenal, largely due to TEC’s lube services, which significantly reduce our downtime. The support we receive is not just technical but also personal — we truly feel like part of their family. This camaraderie extends beyond work, enhancing our professional interactions and support experience. Our relationship with TEC is absolutely amazing.”
Burgess commented on the logistical benefits of partnering with TEC, stating, “Working with TEC means having access to rapid response and maintenance expertise across several branches. This is crucial because downtime here directly impacts our bottom line. Whether it’s parts from Huntsville or maintenance from Birmingham, help is just a phone call away, and that’s invaluable.”
Looking ahead
Through strategic partnerships with distributors like TEC, Guntersville Marine can leverage strong support networks to maintain high operational standards, maximize uptime, and continue growing its business. As the company eyes future expansions, integrating operations across multiple states remains a key strategy.
“We’re actively integrating our operations from Washington Park, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida, and enhancing our services in Guntersville,” Lueken explained. “By aligning similar bulk commodity handling and adding value through customized packaging, we’re setting up northern Alabama as a strategic distribution hub. This positions us well to capitalize on growth opportunities and support regional industrial expansion.”
With a robust growth rate over the past four years, Guntersville Marine looks to further its positive trajectory with versatile equipment like the Sennebogen 870 E, which promises broader applications and improved operational efficiency. This forward-thinking approach emphasizes the company’s commitment to not only meet current demands but also adapt to future market needs, ensuring sustained growth and regional economic contributions. ■
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
