With Lifecycle360TM, CPM|Crown guides clients through every stage of facility management and process improvement
With a legacy dating back to 1878, Crown Iron Works has experienced renewed success since joining the CPM family in 2007. Together, CPM and Crown design and engineer processing systems and equipment for a range of global manufacturing markets. The company’s ability to strategically scale across different regions, and adapt its services to client needs, has ensured its position as an industry forerunner.
Leading the way toward more sustainable operations for customers across the globe, CPM|Crown has become synonymous with high-quality, versatile solutions. As President Kris Knudson explains: “Our international footprints and dedication to the industries we serve gives us a distinct advantage in terms of focus and resources. 
“Our approach is deeply customer-centric, built on a consultative model that’s designed to deliver exceptional value. We’ve cultivated strong organizational expertise as trusted advisors who partner with customers to design optimal systems and tailored support packages.
“Our specialists are based all around the world, speak multiple languages, and understand the cultural nuances that matter. Ultimately, our customers can be confident in the reliability of their plant operations and rest assured that world-class support is always within reach.”
CPM and its family of brands have long-standing histories in key markets such as oilseed processing, animal and aqua feed, plant-based proteins, pet food, sustainable energy, and renewable fuels. Across these industries, the company delivers end-to-end processing solutions, from greenfield to equipment upgrades, replacement parts, and full lifecycle support.
Kris continues: “CPM|Crown delivers complete processing systems that include seed cleaning, conditioning, cracking, flaking, cooking, extraction, desolventizing, refining, drying, and cooling technologies.
“Our machinery is very versatile, meaning it can be used to process soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola and rapeseed, and numerous other products. We provide efficient, high-quality processing solutions through advanced equipment and innovative technologies, designed to maximize yield and product quality.
“In addition, we support our customers with global services such as pilot testing, training, and comprehensive aftermarket support. This ensures reliable operations and long-term value across all the markets we serve.”
Demonstrating its commitment to comprehensive customer support, CPM|Crown recently launched its latest innovation, Lifecycle360TM Single-source Support Services. Developed as an all-encompassing suite of support services for oilseed, renewable fuels, and specialty processing companies around the world, these services help streamline and optimize the full lifecycle of customer facilities. As Vice President of Global Aftermarket Services, Tim Klopfenstein, details: “From pre-engineering to long-term maintenance needs, Lifecycle360TM is specifically designed to provide our customers with strategic advantages. It enables them to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs, predict maintenance needs, commercialize new ideas, and build employee knowledge.
“In addition, these services complement our technologies – ensuring customers can avoid costly hassles and prevent unplanned shutdowns. The package is divided into eight key categories. These include plant operations services, optimizing services, innovation services, pre-engineering services, construction support, automation services, training and maintenance support.”
The total support offered by Lifecycle360TM has long-term implications for the global manufacturing industry. As experienced professionals begin to retire, CPM|Crown has stepped in to curb rising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge. Tim explains: “Many facilities are facing challenges in maintaining operational continuity and performance as senior staffers leave the workforce. Lifecycle360TM is here to help bridge that gap by offering structured, expert-driven support across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle.
“The program also reflects CPM|Crown’s commitment to continuous improvement and long-term success for customers on their own terms. Each Lifecycle360TM service can be engaged individually or as part of a comprehensive package, depending on the need.
“Lifecycle360TM positions us as a single-source partner with deep technological expertise. This eliminates the need for customers to piece together services from multiple vendors, reducing risk and improving outcomes. The program enhances operational efficiency, supports sustainability goals, and empowers customers to make informed decisions with confidence.”
The development of Lifecycle360TM is just one way Crown continually raises the bar for technological advancement and customer experience. The company has recently made major investments in its new Global Innovation Center (GIC) – a unique, cutting-edge facility that brings the piloting, testing, and commercialization of new products together under one roof.
As Tim enthuses: “The GIC entails a 15,000 square foot pilot plant, lab, and training center that offers real-world testing capabilities in a safe and controlled environment. It features solid and liquid extraction, desolventization, drying and refining technologies, as well as an analytical lab and training center.
“Our technology is leading-edge, and this new facility really sets the standard for new innovations within the industry. Not only does it provide our customers with access to real-world testing capabilities, but it does so in a controlled, confidential and low-risk environment.
“At the GIC, our engineering and R&D teams work with existing and potential customers to develop and test new ideas. Our specialist equipment and extensive in-house expertise enable us to bring products to market faster, and with optimal operational efficiency.”
It’s been an exciting time for CPM|Crown. From the establishment of its Innovation Center a few years ago to the industry-defining launch of Lifecycle360TM, the company is set for ongoing success. Kris considers what’s next for the business: “As we look to the future, our vision is to be a trusted, long-term partner for our customers as they navigate the growing challenge of internal talent loss. We aim to be well-positioned to support their evolving needs by helping them drive greater efficiency, cost control, and operational sustainability.
“A key part of this vision is continuing to expand the Lifecycle360TM suite. We plan to build on the strong foundation of services already in place by introducing new pillars that further empower our customers to create resilient, future-ready operations.
“In parallel, we’re committed to advancing processing technologies that not only improve efficiency but also enhance environmental stewardship, consumer safety, and operational integrity. These innovations will play a critical role in helping our customers meet the demands of a rapidly changing market, while maintaining high standards of performance and responsibility,” he concludes.