Draft:Des Moines Cold Storage
Submission declined on 31 May 2025 by Protobowladdict (talk).
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
| Submission declined on 31 May 2025 by KylieTastic (talk). This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources. This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are: Declined by KylieTastic 16 minutes ago.
| |
Des Moines Cold Storage (DMCS) is a private cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled warehousing company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1910 by Joseph William Muelhaupt, the company originated as the Des Moines Ice Company and transitioned over the 20th century into a full-service cold storage firm. Still family-owned, it is one of the oldest continuously operating cold storage businesses in the United States.
History
[edit]Des Moines Cold Storage traces its roots to 1910, when German-American entrepreneur Joseph William Muelhaupt began harvesting and delivering ice blocks from the Des Moines River under the name Des Moines Ice Company.[1][2]
With the rise of mechanical refrigeration in the 1920s and 1930s, the company began constructing electric-powered warehouses and transitioned away from natural ice. It rebranded as Des Moines Cold Storage by the mid-century.[3]
Leadership and ownership
[edit]DMCS has remained under the Muelhaupt family’s leadership for three generations:
- **Edward Charles Muelhaupt** succeeded his father Joseph and expanded cold storage infrastructure in the 1940s–1960s.
- **Charles “Chuck” Muelhaupt**, president for several decades, led modernization efforts and industry integration.[4]
- **Joseph D. Muelhaupt** directed engineering and facility upgrades until his death in 2011.[5]
- **John Paul Muelhaupt**, executive, currently oversees operations and expansion.
Operations
[edit]Des Moines Cold Storage operates multiple facilities in central Iowa, totaling over 4 million cubic feet of refrigerated and frozen storage.[6] Its services include:
- Blast freezing
- USDA-inspected storage and handling
- Tempering/slacking
- Import/export inspections
- Palletizing and cross-docking
The company serves clients across the Midwest in meat processing, dairy, frozen foods, agriculture, and logistics.
Modern expansion
[edit]In 2020, DMCS announced the construction of a new high-capacity cold storage facility near SE 18th Street in Des Moines. The new building, covering more than 100,000 square feet, expanded the company’s blast freezing and export capacity significantly.[7][8]
The project received attention from local media and was praised by city leaders for reinforcing Des Moines’ role in national food logistics.
Industry role
[edit]Des Moines Cold Storage is a long-standing member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and has been listed in multiple trade directories as a key cold storage operator in the central U.S.[9]
In 1989, the company was cited in an Iowa Supreme Court case involving commercial warehousing law, reflecting its longstanding presence and regulatory integration in the state’s logistics infrastructure.[10]
Legacy and recognition
[edit]Des Moines Cold Storage is widely regarded as one of Iowa’s oldest family-owned cold chain providers. Its century-long leadership by the Muelhaupt family has been featured in industry retrospectives and regional business history.[11][12]
The company has also been acknowledged for its community engagement and donations to local educational and civic institutions.[13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Des Moines Ice Works Expanding," The Des Moines Register, March 17, 1911, p. 3.
- ^ Cityview – “Riverview Park Was Once an Amusement for the Northside,” May 2019
- ^ Des Moines Cold Storage – A Family History (YouTube documentary)
- ^ Obituary – Edward “Chuck” Muelhaupt, Dignity Memorial, 2012
- ^ Iles Funeral Homes – Joseph D. Muelhaupt, 2011
- ^ Des Moines Cold Storage – About Us
- ^ Business Record – “Des Moines Cold Storage to Build New Facility,” March 2020
- ^ KCCI News – “Des Moines Cold Storage Breaks Ground on New Site,” March 2020
- ^ GCCA Member Directory (2022), “Des Moines Cold Storage,” p. 141.
- ^ Iowa Supreme Court, Des Moines Cold Storage Co. v. Abbott Laboratories, 1989, No. 88-562.
- ^ Wide Right & Natty Lite – “Chuck Muelhaupt: Cold Storage Legend,” September 2017
- ^ "Obituary – Joseph W. Muelhaupt," The Des Moines Register, July 22, 1958, p. 5.
- ^ Des Moines University Alumni News, “Thank You to Our Business Partners,” Vol. 92, 2015.
- in-depth (not just brief mentions about the subject or routine announcements)
- reliable
- secondary
- strictly independent of the subject
Make sure you add references that meet all four of these criteria before resubmitting. Learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue. If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.