An Interview with JaMall Wilson and Ashley Gierok, AGI – GEAPS 2026
When AGI invited Milling and Grain to tour its newly redesigned bucket elevator at the 2026 GEAPS Exchange, the message was clear: this equipment was built by listening first.
Milling and Grain journalist Roger Gilbert received an exclusive, on-camera, behind‑the‑scenes tour of AGI’s redesigned bucket elevator, guided by Global Design Manager JaMall Wilson and Enterprise Sales Manager Ashley Gierok. The pair walked Gilbert through the equipment from head to boot, highlighting the customer‑driven engineering that shaped every aspect of the updated design.
Wilson and Gierok relayed how the new bucket elevator represents direct input from end users, who were eager to see their ideas "brought to life.” The main goal behind the refurbished design was to reduce maintenance‑related downtime while significantly improving safety. To achieve this, AGI incorporated extensive inspection doors and removable panels offering unobstructed access to key components, including both sides of the belt. These features allow technicians to complete most tasks from the outside of the equipment, eliminating the need to climb inside and thereby enhancing operator safety. The improved accessibility also means maintenance can be completed faster, helping facilities return to operation more quickly.
A theme of the video tour was customization. Every component of the bucket elevator can be tailored to match a customer’s specific application, thanks to AGI’s newly developed design tools. Wilson noted that this flexibility ensures end users “can have it all”—a system built exactly to their operational needs without compromising serviceability or safety.
The product also incorporates several new features, including a gravity take‑up system and a screw take‑over option, both engineered to simplify maintenance and improve everyday operation. According to Wilson and Gierok, these updates reflect AGI’s commitment to designing equipment that is easier and safer to maintain, all while responding directly to the real‑world feedback provided by customers. The result is a next‑generation bucket elevator that blends innovation with practicality—built for users, alongside users.
