Skattum Confinement Systems, Superior Buildings sold to Son-D-Farms, Adrian

Owners involved in Skattum’s Confinement Systems and Superior Buildings Inc. Luverne, announced last week an agreement to sell their businesses.
In a letter to customers and friends dated Oct. 20, owners Tom Skattum and Steve Steffl announced both businesses will be sold to Son-D-Farms, Adrian, owned by the Bullerman family, Reed Skattum’s in-laws.
The letter explained that Tom’s grandson, Reed Skattum, who is still in college, is interested in continuing in the family business and that this agreement will extend “the Skattum Confinement Systems legacy into the fourth generation.”
Tom Skattum wrote, “It is with a great deal of pleasure that Reed’s dream to continue the vision of and mission of this business can (and will) be achieved as part of the transaction.”
Tom’s father, Orrie Skattum, started the business in 1965 as an A.R. Wood/Northco distributer, and Tom joined him in 1975. After Orrie’s passing, he continued the business, forming Skattum Confinement Systems in 1980.
Tom’s son, Nate, joined the business in 1992 and in recent years had taken full control of the day-to-day operations, developing and expanding the product and services portfolio.
Tom described the business sale to Son-D-Farms as “bittersweet,” considering the circumstances of Nate’s recent passing.
“It was a crushing blow to our family and community when Nate was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2014 and passed away in January of this year,” Tom wrote in the letter.
He said the absence of Nate’s leadership and operational expertise prompted “some very difficult decisions with respect to the family business.”
He said he and his wife, Nan, discussed various scenarios and options and collectively agreed it would be most appropriate for their family, employees and customers to sell the business.
“The future of Skattum Confinement Systems is very bright,” the letter stated. “I will continue to support the business while they hire a new general manager to partner with Reed as he continues to learn and gain experience in his new career.”
The name of the business is changing to Skattum Confinement and Superior Buildings, LLC, and Steve (Doc) Steffl will continue managing SBI.
“It is with mixed emotions that I convey my gratitude for your past and future patronage of Skattum Confinement Systems,” Tom wrote. “It has been a privilege to serve you all these years.”