MARSHALL — Dave Planting has seen enormous growth at the ADM Corn Processors Marshall facility over the past three decades. Planting was actually instrumental in helping create that significant growth.

After retiring earlier this month — exactly 35 years to the day after he started his job — Planting took time to reflect on those experiences.

“I finished at Southwest (Minnesota) State (University) and took a job at Minnesota Corn Processors — what it was called back then,” Planting said. “I was more involved with the construction at that point. Then I rolled into shift supervision.”

In 1987, Planting became the project engineer for the ethanol plant.

“In 1990-91, we doubled the size of the ethanol plant,” he said. “I was responsible for that. “In ’92, we built the Columbus, Nebraska, plant. I was responsible for part of that as well.”

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is an agribusiness giant, with branch businesses — like Marshall and Columbus — all over the Midwest and beyond.

“ADM is very large,” Planting said. “We were Minnesota Corn Processors up until 2002, when ADM acquired it. In Marshall, we’re a corn plant. We take corn and make it into different product. Ethanol, high fructose corn syrup and dry starch, we make all of those.”

In 1996, the high fructose corn syrup part was added at the Marshall plant.

“We doubled the size of the entire Marshall facility in ’96,” he said. “We doubled our corn syrup and we also doubled the grind. We grind corn and make it into various different products.”

Planting acknowledged that the growth certainly had to do with the demand of additional products.

“There are very few grocery items that, in some way, shape or form, don’t have some corn products in them,” Planting said. “The usage of the products that we produce is very, very diverse.”

ADM Marshall doesn’t make the end product — they send the products on to companies like Schwan’s, Miller Brewing, confectionaries and other businesses.

“For the most part, the ethanol stays in the United States,” Planting said. “Our market is all over the United States and Mexico.”

Until his retirement recently, Planting served as facilities manager.

“As engineering manager, I was responsible for the design, construction, start-up and maintenance of the facilities,” he said. “That’s been my role for the last 20 years or so.”

Planting said he’s proud of how much the Marshall plant has grown over time, but he is quick to point out that there were a lot of contributors.

“I’ve had a tremendous opportunity to be involved in this, along with co-workers,” Planting said. “It was a team effort. Without those extremely dedicated people, this facility wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Planting said those dedicated employees include both past and present ones.

“There have been dozens and dozens who have contributed — people like Roger Untiedt, Marlo Moon, Kenny Clarke, the Wambeke boys and Dave Soupir, who is retiring in October,” he said. “Those are just a few of the names who have been instrumental in making this facility an excellent success.”

Since his first day on the job 35 years ago, Planting said he’s seen a lot of changes.

“We’re a farming community, so we’re helping support the agriculture industry,” Planting said. “It’s incredible to witness the technological changes over the last 15-20 years especially. That’s been one of the most significant changes that has taken place.”

Despite his recent retirement, Planting feels ADM Marshall is in a good place and will be a strong business well into the future.

“I think it’ll continue to be a corn plant at the Marshall facility but in a global world,” he said. “We need to keep our eyes on that, so we can continue to be effective. I feel very confident with the long-term viability of ADM Marshall — as long as we keep our eyes on the competitive global aspect.”

As far as retirement, the Cottonwood resident only has one goal so far.

“I want to be the best grandpa I can be,” said Planting, who has four grandchildren.