NSF-Certified Food Service Material Handling & Storage Solutions

Optimize your kitchen, commissary, or food processing facility with health-code compliant storage and organization systems. From Metro wire shelving to stainless steel prep stations, we provide durable, easy-to-clean solutions designed to maximize efficiency and food safety.

NSF-Certified Food Service Material Handling & Storage Solutions
100%
NSF-Certified Options
50%
Space Savings with Mobile Shelving
-20°F
Cold Storage Temperature Rating
2,000+
Food Service Products Available

Comprehensive Food Service Equipment Overview and Key Features

Comprehensive Food Service Equipment Overview and Key Features

Material Handling USA provides a comprehensive suite of food service material handling solutions designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern culinary and food processing environments. Our product lineup is centered around NSF-certified equipment that prioritizes hygiene, durability, and organizational efficiency. From high-grade stainless steel work surfaces to specialized shelving systems, every piece of equipment is engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of commercial kitchens, including high humidity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and frequent chemical sanitization. By integrating advanced storage technology with ergonomic design, we help facilities maintain strict health code compliance while optimizing their daily operational workflows.

Key features of our food service solutions include superior corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties. Many of our shelving systems, such as those from industry leaders like Metro, feature Microban antimicrobial product protection built into the shelf mats to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This is critical in environments where food safety is paramount. Additionally, our equipment is designed for easy assembly and reconfiguration, allowing managers to adapt their storage layouts as inventory needs change. The use of high-quality materials like 304-series stainless steel and heavy-duty polymers ensures that these units do not rust or degrade, even when used in walk-in freezers or high-moisture dishwashing areas.

Structural integrity is another hallmark of our food service offerings. Our wire shelving systems and dunnage racks are rated for significant weight capacities, often exceeding 600 to 800 pounds per shelf, depending on the configuration. This allows for the safe storage of bulk ingredients, heavy kitchen equipment, and large-scale prep containers. Furthermore, the open-wire design of our standard shelving promotes maximum airflow and light penetration, which is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures in cold storage and reducing dust accumulation in dry storage areas. This combination of strength and ventilation makes our solutions the gold standard for professional food handling.

Beyond simple storage, our solutions incorporate specialized features like adjustable leveling feet for uneven kitchen floors and optional casters for mobile applications. Mobility is a vital feature in fast-paced food service environments, enabling staff to move heavy loads of supplies from the receiving dock directly to the prep station or walk-in cooler. We also offer a variety of accessories, including shelf dividers, ledge kits, and labeling systems, which enhance organization and facilitate First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management. By focusing on these detailed specifications, Material Handling USA ensures that every client receives a tailored system that enhances both safety and productivity.

Versatile Configurations for Every Culinary Environment

The diversity of food service operations requires a wide array of equipment configurations, and Material Handling USA offers a versatile catalog to meet these specific needs. Our shelving options range from classic chrome-plated wire shelving for dry storage to advanced polymer and epoxy-coated systems designed for wet environments. For instance, Metro’s MetroMax and Super Erecta lines provide modularity that allows for the mixing and matching of solid and vented shelf mats. This flexibility is crucial for facilities that handle both bulk dry goods and perishable items requiring drainage or airflow. We also provide stainless steel shelving for the most demanding sterile environments, offering the highest level of chemical resistance and longevity.

In addition to stationary shelving, we specialize in high-density mobile storage systems. These systems, often utilizing tracks or heavy-duty casters, allow kitchens to eliminate unnecessary aisles and double their storage capacity within the same footprint. This is particularly beneficial for walk-in coolers and freezers where floor space is at a premium and energy costs are high. For heavy bulk items, our dunnage racks provide low-profile, off-the-floor storage that complies with health department regulations requiring food to be stored at least six inches above the ground. These are available in aluminum or heavy-duty plastic, providing a stable base for heavy crates, bags of flour, or beverage canisters.

Workstations and prep areas are another critical configuration category. We offer a variety of NSF-listed stainless steel work tables, available with or without backsplashes, undershelves, or integrated sinks. These tables can be customized with overhead spice racks or utensil bars to keep essential tools within reach. For specialized storage, our gravity-fed can and bottle racks ensure efficient inventory rotation, automatically bringing the oldest stock to the front as items are removed. This FIFO configuration is essential for reducing waste and ensuring product freshness in high-volume commissaries and institutional kitchens.

Finally, we provide specialized containment and security solutions such as wire security cages from brands like SpaceGuard or BeastWire. These are ideal for storing high-value inventory like alcohol, expensive cuts of meat, or specialized kitchen electronics. These cages can be configured as stationary units or mobile carts, providing a secure chain of custody from the loading dock to the storage room. We also offer modular office solutions and cleanroom partitions for food processing plants that require segregated spaces for quality control or administrative tasks. This breadth of configurations ensures that we can outfit an entire facility from the back-of-house storage to the front-of-house prep areas.

Versatile Configurations for Every Culinary Environment

Applications and Industries: From Restaurants to Processing Plants

Material Handling USA serves a broad spectrum of industries within the food and beverage sector, providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each. In the restaurant industry, from independent bistros to national quick-service chains, our equipment is used to organize prep lines, optimize walk-in coolers, and manage dry stock. The focus here is on speed and sanitation; our easy-to-clean surfaces and mobile carts allow kitchen staff to maintain a hygienic environment even during peak service hours. By providing clear visibility and easy access to ingredients, our storage solutions help reduce ticket times and improve overall kitchen efficiency.

Institutional kitchens, such as those found in hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities, represent another major application area. These environments often require large-scale food production and must adhere to stringent government health and safety standards. Our high-density storage systems and heavy-duty dunnage racks are ideal for managing the massive volumes of inventory these facilities handle. In healthcare settings specifically, the antimicrobial properties of our shelving systems provide an added layer of protection against cross-contamination, supporting the facility’s overall infection control protocols. We understand the logistical complexity of institutional feeding and provide the robust equipment necessary to keep these operations running smoothly.

The food processing and manufacturing industry also relies heavily on our material handling expertise. In these facilities, equipment must be able to withstand rigorous wash-down procedures involving high-pressure water and caustic cleaning agents. Our stainless steel and polymer shelving systems are perfectly suited for these conditions, as they will not rust or corrode over time. We also provide specialized solutions for cold chain logistics, including pallet racking and mobile shelving designed specifically for blast freezers and refrigerated warehouses. These systems help food processors maintain the integrity of their products from the production line to the shipping dock, ensuring that safety standards are met at every stage of the supply chain.

Additionally, we serve commissaries, catering companies, and ghost kitchens—sectors that have seen rapid growth in recent years. These businesses often operate in compact spaces and require highly organized, modular storage to manage multiple delivery platforms and diverse menus. Our mobile shelving and specialized prep stations allow these operators to maximize their square footage and quickly reconfigure their layouts as their business models evolve. Whether it is a small-scale craft brewery needing keg storage or a large-scale bakery requiring cooling racks, Material Handling USA has the industry-specific knowledge and product inventory to support any food-related enterprise.

Strategic Benefits and Long-Term Advantages

Investing in high-quality food service material handling solutions from Material Handling USA offers numerous strategic advantages, the most prominent being guaranteed health code compliance. Health inspectors look for specific certifications, such as NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) markings, which signify that the equipment is designed for easy cleaning and is safe for food contact. By using our certified shelving, tables, and racks, facility managers can approach inspections with confidence, knowing their storage infrastructure meets or exceeds local and federal regulations. This compliance not only prevents costly fines and shutdowns but also protects the reputation of the business by ensuring a safe environment for food preparation.

Operational efficiency is another significant benefit. A well-organized kitchen or warehouse reduces the time employees spend searching for ingredients or moving heavy items. Our ergonomic designs, such as adjustable-height workstations and mobile carts, reduce the physical strain on workers, leading to fewer workplace injuries and higher employee retention. Furthermore, our FIFO-compatible storage systems, like gravity-fed can racks, significantly reduce food waste by ensuring that older inventory is used before it expires. In an industry with thin profit margins, the ability to minimize waste and maximize labor productivity can have a direct and positive impact on the bottom line.

Durability and long-term cost savings are also key advantages of our product line. While lower-quality shelving might save money upfront, it often succumbs to rust, sagging, or breakage within a few years, especially in demanding food service environments. In contrast, the premium materials used in our products—such as 304 stainless steel, heavy-duty aluminum, and advanced polymers—are designed to last for decades. Brands like Metro and Borroughs are known for their “set it and forget it” reliability. By choosing professional-grade equipment, businesses avoid the recurring costs of replacement and maintenance, resulting in a much lower total cost of ownership over the life of the facility.

Finally, the flexibility and scalability of our solutions allow food service businesses to grow and adapt. As a company expands its menu or increases its production volume, our modular shelving and mobile units can be easily reconfigured or added to without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure. This adaptability is crucial in the fast-evolving food industry. At Material Handling USA, we don’t just sell equipment; we provide a foundation for growth. Our specialists work closely with clients to design systems that solve current bottlenecks while providing the capacity for future expansion, ensuring that your material handling investment continues to pay dividends for years to come.

Strategic Benefits and Long-Term Advantages

Technical Specifications and Customization Options

Technical Specifications and Customization Options

When selecting food service material handling equipment, the technical specifications and customization options are critical to ensuring long-term durability and operational efficiency. At Material Handling USA, we provide a diverse range of products from industry leaders like Metro and Jaken, offering materials specifically engineered for the rigors of a commercial kitchen. For instance, our shelving systems come in various finishes, including classic chrome for dry storage, 304-series stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance, and advanced antimicrobial epoxy coatings. Brands like Metro utilize Microban technology in their polymer and epoxy lines, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, making them ideal for high-moisture environments like walk-in coolers and dishwashing stations.

Customization extends beyond material choice to include precise dimensional configurations and load-bearing capacities. We offer wire shelving in widths ranging from 12 to 36 inches and lengths up to 72 inches, allowing facilities to maximize every square inch of their footprint. For heavy-duty applications, our dunnage racks and reinforced shelving units can support thousands of pounds, ensuring that bulk ingredients and heavy equipment are stored safely. Furthermore, many of our systems, such as those from Borroughs or Jaken, feature adjustable shelf heights in one-inch increments, providing the flexibility to accommodate changing inventory sizes without the need for specialized tools.

Beyond standard shelving, we offer specialized customization for mobile applications and high-density storage. Mobile units can be outfitted with various caster types, including polyurethane or rubber, depending on the floor surface and the need for chemical resistance. For large-scale commissaries or food processing plants, we can implement high-density mobile track systems from Aurora. These systems eliminate unnecessary aisles, potentially doubling your storage capacity within the same square footage. This level of customization ensures that your storage solution is not just a generic rack, but a precision-engineered component of your supply chain.

Finally, we provide a suite of accessories to further tailor your equipment to your specific workflow. This includes snap-on shelf dividers, perimeter ledges to prevent items from falling, and specialized labeling systems for better inventory management. For facilities requiring secure storage of high-value items like alcohol or expensive proteins, we integrate security cages from SpaceGuard or BeastWire directly into the shelving layouts. By offering these granular specifications and customization options, Material Handling USA ensures that your facility meets its unique operational goals while maintaining the highest standards of organization.

Professional Installation and Project Planning

Successful implementation of food service material handling systems requires meticulous installation and project planning. At Material Handling USA, we don’t just ship boxes; we partner with your facility managers and executive chefs to design a workflow that minimizes bottlenecks and maximizes throughput. The planning process begins with a comprehensive site assessment or a review of your architectural blueprints. We utilize advanced CAD software to create detailed layouts, ensuring that every piece of equipment—from Metro wire shelving to Panel Built modular offices—fits perfectly within your designated space while accounting for essential clearances, floor drains, and HVAC vents.

Installation in a food service environment presents unique challenges, particularly regarding hygiene and operational continuity. Our professional installation teams are experienced in working within active kitchen environments and industrial food plants. We coordinate deliveries and assembly schedules to minimize downtime, often performing installations during off-peak hours or in phases. For complex projects involving high-density mobile systems or large-scale pallet racking, our installers ensure that every rail is perfectly leveled and every upright is securely anchored, meeting both manufacturer specifications and local building codes. This precision is vital for the long-term safety and functionality of the equipment.

Project planning also involves a deep dive into the specific logistical needs of your operation. For example, if you are implementing a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system using our gravity-fed can and bottle racks, we plan the loading and picking aisles to ensure a seamless flow of product. If your facility requires temperature-controlled environments, we coordinate the installation of corrosion-resistant polymer shelving that can withstand the extreme cold of blast freezers. We also assist in the integration of modular structures, such as Panel Built cleanrooms or in-plant offices, providing a turnkey solution that encompasses both the structural environment and the internal storage components.

Communication is the cornerstone of our project management philosophy. Throughout the planning and installation phases, Material Handling USA provides a dedicated point of contact to handle logistics, freight coordination, and on-site troubleshooting. We understand that delays in the food service industry can lead to spoiled inventory and lost revenue. By providing a clear timeline and proactive updates, we ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition from the design phase to a fully operational, high-efficiency facility that is ready to meet the demands of your customers.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Compliance and Safety Standards

In the food service industry, compliance with health and safety standards is non-negotiable. Material Handling USA prioritizes products that meet or exceed the stringent requirements set by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the FDA, and local health departments. NSF certification is the gold standard for food safety, ensuring that equipment is designed for easy cleaning and is made from materials that will not leach harmful chemicals into food products. Our extensive catalog of Metro and Jaken shelving, as well as our stainless steel work tables, are NSF-listed, providing you with the documentation necessary to pass health inspections with confidence.

Beyond sanitation, we address the critical safety standards required for industrial and commercial environments. This includes adherence to OSHA guidelines for workplace safety and rack safety. For instance, our dunnage racks are specifically designed to keep food products at least six inches off the floor, a universal requirement in health codes to prevent contamination and allow for proper floor cleaning. In high-density storage areas, we implement safety features such as anti-tip mechanisms and seismic bracing, which are essential for protecting employees and inventory in regions prone to geological activity or in facilities with high-reaching rack systems.

Fire safety and ventilation are also key components of our compliance strategy. Wire shelving is often preferred by fire marshals because it allows for the penetration of overhead sprinkler systems and promotes better airflow, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures in refrigerated areas. For facilities that require secure enclosures, our SpaceGuard and BeastWire partitions are designed with open-mesh patterns that do not interfere with fire suppression or ventilation systems. We also ensure that all modular buildings and mezzanines provided by Panel Built meet the necessary IBC (International Building Code) standards for structural integrity and fire rating.

Finally, we focus on ergonomic safety to protect your most valuable asset: your staff. Our mobile shelving and cart solutions are designed with high-quality casters and ergonomic handles to reduce the risk of strain and injury during transport. We offer height-adjustable workstations and prep tables that can be tailored to the physical needs of your employees, promoting a healthier and more productive work environment. By integrating these multi-layered compliance and safety standards into every solution, Material Handling USA helps you mitigate risk, avoid costly fines, and maintain a safe, hygienic facility for both your staff and your customers.

Why Choose Material Handling USA?

Choosing Material Handling USA as your B2B partner means gaining access to decades of industry expertise and a curated selection of the world’s best material handling brands. We understand that food service operations—whether they are boutique restaurants, institutional kitchens, or massive food processing plants—require more than just “off-the-shelf” products. They require solutions that are durable, compliant, and scalable. Our long-standing relationships with premier manufacturers like Metro, Jaken, Aurora, and Borroughs allow us to offer competitive pricing and priority access to the latest innovations in storage technology.

Our consultative approach sets us apart from traditional equipment vendors. We don’t just take orders; we solve problems. When you call (800) 326-4403, you are connected with a specialist who understands the nuances of food-grade materials, cold storage requirements, and high-density logistics. We take the time to understand your specific operational challenges, such as limited square footage or strict health code mandates, and recommend the exact configuration of equipment to address those needs. This personalized service ensures that you receive a high return on investment and a system that grows with your business.

Furthermore, Material Handling USA offers a comprehensive, one-stop-shop experience. From the initial design and CAD layout to the final installation and safety certification, we manage every aspect of your project. This eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple vendors, reducing the risk of communication errors and project delays. Whether you need a single row of NSF-certified wire shelving or a complex installation of Panel Built modular offices and BeastWire security cages, we have the logistical capability to handle projects of any scale across the United States. Our nationwide reach ensures that we can support your business as it expands into new locations.

Ultimately, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what defines us. We stand behind every product we sell, ensuring that it meets the rigorous demands of the food service industry. We provide ongoing support and can easily source replacement parts or expansion components as your needs evolve. By choosing Material Handling USA, you are choosing a partner dedicated to the efficiency, safety, and success of your food service operation. We invite you to experience the difference that professional expertise and premium equipment can make for your facility.

Why Choose Material Handling USA?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chrome and epoxy-coated wire shelving?
Chrome shelving is ideal for dry storage environments where humidity is low, offering a sleek look and high durability. Epoxy-coated shelving, such as Metro’s Metroseal, is specifically designed for walk-in coolers and wet environments to provide superior corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals.
Are your storage solutions compliant with local health department codes?
Yes, our food service products are NSF-certified and designed to meet or exceed health department standards for sanitation and safety. We offer dunnage racks to keep products off the floor and easy-to-clean polymer shelving that prevents bacteria growth in high-moisture areas.
Can mobile shelving systems be used inside walk-in freezers?
Absolutely, high-density mobile shelving systems from brands like Aurora or Metro are frequently used in walk-ins to double storage capacity. These systems utilize heavy-duty tracks and corrosion-resistant materials that perform reliably in temperatures as low as -20°F.
What are the benefits of using dunnage racks in a commercial kitchen?
Dunnage racks are essential for maintaining health code compliance by keeping heavy cases and bulk ingredients at least 6 to 12 inches off the floor. Our aluminum and polymer dunnage racks are rust-proof and provide the structural integrity needed to support heavy loads in both dry and cold storage.
Do you provide custom stainless steel worktables for specific kitchen layouts?
We offer a wide range of NSF-listed stainless steel worktables and prep stations in various gauges and sizes to fit your specific workflow. Whether you need integrated sinks, undershelves, or mobile casters, we can configure a solution that maximizes your prep area’s efficiency and durability.

Ready to Optimize Your Food Service Operation?

Contact our material handling specialists today to design a custom storage plan that meets health codes and improves workflow. Call us at (800) 326-4403 or request a free quote online to get started with a professional consultation.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT • Serving customers nationwide
Local service areas: Salt Lake City • Provo • Ogden • Park City • St. George • Logan • Lehi • Orem