Blog

The Top 7 Food-Grade Warehouses in Wisconsin (2025)

Written by Drew Kirkman | Mar 4, 2025 2:45:00 PM

Quick comparison (at a glance)

Company Primary Strengths Example Credentials / Notes
1. Badger Warehouse Fast turns; integrated trucking/brokerage; FDA-registered food-grade 210k sq ft; Fall River (Madison area) 
2. WOW Logistics Multi-site WI network; strong audits & WMS ASI-audited ~98% avg; Appleton/Grand Chute & more
3. Lineage Logistics Largest global cold-chain; multiple WI facilities Public facility pages for Milwaukee, Waukesha, McFarland, Stevens Point
4. CSW (Central Storage & Warehouse) Deep certifications; rail; -70°F to +70°F range USDA/FDA/AIB; export certs; large pallet counts; multi-city WI 
5. WEL Companies Reefer + dry + logistics; cheese/aging programs Food-grade/chilled/combination storage; WMS 
6. Hansen Storage Milwaukee metro footprint; dry/cooler/freezer ~1M sq ft metro capacity; food-grade/heated options
7. Americold (Darien) National network capacity via WI site FSIS-recognized site/address; active operations 

Methodology (how we built this list)

We focused on operators with Wisconsin facilities that explicitly market food-grade capabilities (ambient and/or refrigerated/frozen). We prioritized:

  1. Certifications/audits disclosed publicly.
  2. Facility scale and network breadth.
  3. Evidence of food-specific processes.
  4. Integrated logistics options. Sources include operator websites, facility locators, and state/federal pages (FDA/USDA/WI DATCP).
Where precise square footage isn’t public, we cite what’s available (pallet positions, site pages, or verified addresses).




Looking for food-grade warehousing and integrated logistics in Wisconsin? Let's talk. 

Shippers struggling with just-in-time inventory and complex logistics partner with Badger Warehouse, strategically located in Fall River, Wisconsin. Our flexible, food-grade storage and lightning-fast 30-minute turnarounds help you meet tight deadlines and maintain product integrity, avoiding costly delays and inventory mismanagement.

Learn more about our warehouse and get in touch to start the conversation.

1. Badger Warehouse (Badger Logistics)

This was the editor’s pick for speed plus integration.

Location: Fall River (near Madison)

Profile: 210,000 sq ft, FDA-registered food-grade facility with integrated trucking/brokerage for rapid turns and fewer handoffs. Badger highlights veteran staff (20+ years avg), streamlined outbound, and easy highway access (US-151) to Milwaukee/Fox Valley/Chicago corridors.

Why it's #1:

  • Single-partner simplicity: storage + asset trucking + brokerage under one roof reduces dwell and exception costs.

  • Regulatory and process fit: FDA-registered with food-grade SOPs; well-positioned for Wisconsin shippers consolidating inbound/outbound.

  • Best for: Food processors, CPG brands, and distributors needing fast in/out near Madison with integrated transport options.

Learn more about Badger Warehouse »

2. WOW Logistics

A strong statewide food-grade network.

Locations: Multiple in WI (Appleton/Grand Chute and more)

Profile: Food-grade ambient, refrigerated, and freezer warehousing; state-of-the-art WMS; ASI-audited network averaging ~98% scores. Public locations list Appleton East and Grand Chute; additional Wisconsin sites appear across their network materials.

Standouts: Consistent third-party audit performance; multi-site flexibility for distribution, seasonal programs, and overflow.

Best for: Brands needing a scalable partner with strong quality systems across multiple Wisconsin metros.

3. Lineage Logistics

A global cold-chain leader with a WI footprint.

Locations (WI examples): Milwaukee (11225 W. County Line Rd), Waukesha (900 Gale St), McFarland (4704 Terminal Dr), Stevens Point (5700 E. Copps Dr)

Profile: World’s largest cold-storage network; Wisconsin facilities provide public refrigerated services in key corridors (Milwaukee/Madison/Central WI). Facility pages confirm individual WI sites and contacts. 

Standouts: National reach with deep cold-chain engineering; useful for multi-state distribution anchored in WI.

Best for: High-volume frozen/refrigerated programs needing consistent SOPs across regions.

4. CSW – Central Storage & Warehouse

A Wisconsin specialist with robust certifications.

Locations: Madison, Eau Claire, Kenosha (Pleasant Prairie), Wisconsin Rapids (and more)

Profile: Full spectrum frozen/refrigerated/ambient; USDA, FDA, and AIB certified; select sites with USDA export (EU/Mexico/Canada); Madison lists 25,000+ pallet positions and rail service. Kenosha adds bio-science (-70°F) capacity.

Standouts: Strong certification stack (AIB/USDA/FDA), rail options, and temperature ranges from -70°F to +70°F across the network. csw-wi.com

Best for: Dairy/protein/CPG shippers needing certified, rail-accessible Wisconsin storage with export support.

5. WEL Companies (Warehousing & Cold Storage)

Integrated reefer + dry solutions

Location: De Pere (HQ) and regional network

Profile: Dry & refrigerated, food-grade, chilled/combination storage with advanced temp control and WMS; provides short/long-term programs, cross-dock, and redistribution; warehousing tied to a major temperature-controlled carrier

Standouts: Integrated transport + warehousing model for cold chain, including LTL redelivery and cheese/aging programs.

Best for: Dairy/cheese and refrigerated CPG requiring flexible aging, consolidation, and transport under one brand.

6. Hansen Storage Company

Milwaukee metro capacity (dry, cooler, freezer).

Locations: Multiple in metro Milwaukee (e.g., 2880 N. 112th St; 8100 N. Teutonia Ave.)

Profile: ~1,000,000 sq ft across Milwaukee area; offers cooler, freezer, and dry storage; food-grade/heated options with security and enclosed docks at specific sites.

Standouts: Big Milwaukee footprint with mix of temperature zones and value-adds (secure docks, monitored facilities).

Best for: Food distributors and importers serving SE Wisconsin/Chicago who need metro access and multiple building types.

7) Americold (Darien, WI)

National cold-chain capacity in southern WI.

Location: W8876 County Hwy X, Darien, WI (confirmed across multiple sources; FSIS listing and addresses)

Profile: Global cold-storage provider; the Darien site serves regional frozen/refrigerated programs with access to Americold’s national network.

Standouts: Easy tie-in to nationwide distribution and value-added services through Americold; staffing and hiring pages corroborate active operations at Darien.

Best for: Brands seeking a Wisconsin node within a larger national cold-chain footprint.

How to choose the right Wisconsin warehouse partner

  • Match certification to product: For export (EU/Mexico/Canada), confirm USDA export approvals and FDA registration at the actual site. 

  • Validate audit history: Ask for most recent ASI/AIB/SQF scores and CAPA logs. (WOW publicly touts ASI ~98% across locations.) 

  • Plan the handoffs: If you need storage + trucking, an integrated operator like Badger Warehouse can reduce touches and cycle time. 

  • Check access & surge options: If you run seasonal surges, multi-site networks provide overflow flexibility. 

Bottom line

If you want speed, accountability, and fewer vendors, start with Badger Warehouse. You’ll get a FDA-registered facility tied directly to trucking and brokerage for faster turns and simpler ops near Madison. 

Maximize supply chain efficiency with flexible, fast warehousing at Badger Warehouse

Shippers struggling with just-in-time inventory and complex logistics partner with Badger Warehouse. Our flexible, food-grade storage solutions and lightning-fast 30-minute turnarounds help you meet tight deadlines and maintain product integrity, avoiding costly delays and inventory mismanagement.

We combine decades of experience with a commitment to simplicity and flexibility. Our team utilizes a straightforward, customizable inventory management system that our clients love. We're not just a storage facility — we're your strategic partner in streamlining your supply chain, offering pre-loading services, indoor flatbed handling, and seamless integration with our transportation services.

Learn more about Badger Warehouse and get in touch with us to start the conversation.