OVER 87 YEARS

Born out of a meatpacking tradition that started in the Eastern Market of Detroit, Wolverine is now in its third generation of family ownership. What started in 1937 as a small lamb and veal packer, has turned into a full-faceted protein company with multiple plants producing ground beef items, steak cutting, value-added products, and still to this day, fresh lamb and veal. We attribute our growth to our valued customers and the employees at Wolverine that make it all work. The keys to our success lie in conservative business principles, integrity, and placing the customer first.

Our history

1937 - Wolverine Packing Company is founded as a lamb and veal processor.

1960's - A leader in lamb and veal processing, Wolverine launches a portion control division to make ground, battered, and breaded veal products.

1970 - Wolverine opens a beef fabrication facility and begins breaking over 3,000 carcasses weekly.

Early 1970's - Wolverine pioneers Cryovac vacuum packing technology, expanding the shelf life of lamb and veal on supermarket shelves.

1979 - The same vacuum packing technology that expanded Wolverine’s reach in lamb also helped the beef industry evolve. Wolverine closes the beef breaking facility and transitions to distributing boxed beef. Over the next decade, the company’s product portfolio diversifies to include pork, poultry, frozen seafood and specialty items, positioning Wolverine as a complete protein distribution company covering the entire meat and seafood aisle.

1989 -  Wolverine’s distribution reach and business model outgrows the current facility, requiring a 50,000 sq. ft. addition. By the year 2000, the temperature-controlled facility expands to 150,000 sq. ft. of fresh and frozen space.

1997 - Wolverine opens a steak cutting facility with technology and systems rivaling any company of its kind.  The plant is the first in the U.S. to use computerized individual yield systems to manage quality, yield, and productivity in the cut steak business.

2012 - A second state-of-the-art automated ground beef facility is built. Wolverine now supplies food service ground beef products to all 50 states and many foreign countries.

2016 - Wolverine employs more than 500 employees working in multiple buildings located in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market. The company adds a second story onto the home office. The additional space improves the ability for employees to perform their job functions and creates room for additional Sales, Purchasing, IT, and Human Resource staff.

2017 - Wolverine Packing proudly celebrates 80 years of business.

2018 - The company continues to expand and builds an additional state-of-the-art 180,000 sq. ft. freezer and a third ground beef production facility.

Current - Wolverine’s commitment to the customer has yielded years of success in an evolving industry with the distribution of boxed beef, veal, lamb poultry, pork, frozen seafood, specialty items, and the production of portioned-cut meats and ground beef. Celebrating nearly nine decades in business, Wolverine Packing increases annual revenue to $1.5 billion. The third-generation family-owned and operated company employs more than 700 employees.

Wolverine Packing Honored as 2017 Employer of the Year for Commitment to Enhancing People's Lives

Wolverine Packing Co. was honored as 2017 Employer of the Year, "in recognition of the company's commitment to enhancing people's lives," by SER Metro-Detroit at the Amigos de SER Business Recognition Luncheon.

The luncheon, held inside GM Headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, was attended by hundreds of community partners and SER sponsors and hiring partners like DTE Energy (Amigo of the Year), Ford, MGM Grand Casino, AT&T, and the UAW. It was also attended by representatives of the U.S. Senate, Congress, State of Michigan, Wayne County, and the City of Detroit who spoke to the importance of SER's commitment to building a strong workforce in Metro Detroit.

U.S. Representative John Conyers Jr. stated, "The Amigos de SER partnership program has become an outstanding asset to our community by providing valuable training and employment opportunities to the citizens of Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan.

SER and many dedicated business partners have exhibited exemplary efforts to carry out the vision and legacy of the late Frank D. Stella by providing critical resources needed to improve social and economic inequality. Thank you for the positive impact you have made on the overall quality of life for so many in our communities."