The newly constructed dual-purpose shed at Thalmann Seed Farm is the definition of modern efficiency and versatility. Replacing a long-standing structure that had served the farm for many years, this new shed ushers in an exciting new era for the operation. For efficiency and long-term, low-maintenance performance, the doors installed at both ends of the new building were both manufactured by Schweiss Doors.

Established in Plato, Minn., in 1877, Thalmann Seed Farm has been a pillar of resilience and hard work for almost 150 years. What was started by Brian Thalmann’s great-great-grandfather as a small, family-run farm, has evolved into a successful agricultural seed conditioning enterprise spanning six generations. Supported by his son Adam and his nearly retired father, Brian Thalmann and his company continue to prosper.

Across the property are several Lester Buildings post-frame structures, primarily used for equipment storage. Additionally, there is a seed warehouse and multiple silos dedicated to the operation. Among the buildings on the property, one of the older structures has recently been demolished to make way for a new agricultural shed. Measuring 100 feet by 220 feet, the shed is divided into two sections. One-third is dedicated to cold storage, while the remaining two-thirds is insulated to retain warmth, making it a versatile addition to the farm’s operations.

At each end of the new building is a unique door from Schweiss Doors. The Thalmann Seed property showcases some essential differences between the needs best met by bifold and hydraulic doors.

On the non-insulated end of the building, there is a bifold door measuring 40 feet wide by 20 feet tall. Positioned at the north end, the bifold door was chosen after careful consideration. Given that more snow accumulates at the north end of the shed, the vertical liftstrap mechanism of the bifold door provides a distinct advantage, ensuring easy access, even in snowy conditions.

Since the door opens by lifting straight up, there is no need to plow in front of the door to open it. The bifold door features a bottom-driven liftstrap system for easy maintenance. It’s equipped with six liftstraps that wrap around the bottom drums as the door opens. Liftstraps require less maintenance, are faster and quieter than cable-driven bifold doors. When shutting the door, two automatic strap latches on each side pull the door in and securely locks the door into position. To help keep the cold storage end of the building dry, the large bifold door is fitted with a complete weather seal kit, preventing snow and other elements from easily entering the building. The bifold door complements the building’s design, featuring grey sheeting with a charcoal gray wainscoting.

Schweiss offers flexibility in customization, allowing the shell to be fitted with various types of sheeting and build to any desired size.

On the south end is a Schweiss hydraulic door, measuring 50 feet wide and 20 feet high. The hydraulic door was chosen for the south end because there is less snow, it melts faster in the sunshine. Unlike the bifold door, the bottom of hydraulic door swings outward and up, requiring a clear space in front of the door to operate. So, heavy snow must be removed before operating the door to avoid scooping snow onto the door frame.

“As the door swings open, the windows give a clear view of the space in front, serving a practical purpose while also allowing natural light into the shop,” says Brian Thalmann.

Covered in the same grey sheeting and charcoal grey wainscoting as the bifold door and building, the hydraulic door also features four windows, each measuring 4-1/2 feet by 3-1/2 feet. The interior of the door is covered in white sheeting, blending seamlessly with the building’s interior.

To the side of the door is the hydraulic pump, mounted roughly six feet off the floor, out of the way, but easily accessible. The control station is mounted below the pump so the door operator can monitor the door when opening and closing.

Insulated and fitted with radiant floor heating, the southern end serves as the Thalmann’s repair shop. The floor is heated by two natural gas boilers, providing efficient and reliable heating for the entire area. With the large Schweiss hydraulic door, there is a generous opening for the semis to enter the building.

“The size of the door ensures we don’t have to limit what can enter the building, providing enough space for larger trucks and equipment to enter, which is exactly what we wanted,” Thalmann says.

The hydraulic door is insulated with spray foam to keep the temperature stable in the insulated area. It also has a complete Schweiss Doors weather-seal kit, protecting the building from Minnesota’s unpredictable weather and unwanted insects.

Mid-Minnesota Builders of Glencoe, Minn., erected the building, while Schweiss Doors installed the doors.