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SELF-STORAGE SYSTEMS

About Us

OUR EXPERTISE

Experts in Self-Storage Building Design and Development

Trachte (pronounced Trock-tee) is a company that designs, manufactures, and erects a full line of durable, pre-engineered and customized steel self-storage systems. Headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, we are one of the largest manufacturers of steel self-storage systems in the industry. With over 120 years of experience, we’ve mastered the art of developing smart building products designed, engineered, and customized to meet your needs.

We are also committed to delivering services with your needs in mind. We’ll be there with expert advice, industry know-how, and educational resources to guide you through the entire development process.

Trachte History

Founded in 1901, the company has a rich history of metal building construction. Trachte’s early structures are easily identifiable by their barrel-vaulted roofs, serving as garages, aircraft hangars, gas stations, restaurants and more through out the Midwest. Trachte’s early structures can still be found throughout the Madison area and are considered by many to be an important part of the area history. Today, Trachte is the top producer of self storage buildings in North America, with buildings in all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering complete design and building services. In addition to stand-alone buildings, Trachte designs, manufactures, and installs components to convert existing buildings into self storage businesses.

1899

three men standing outside of store front in 1899
Trachte brothers, George, age 21, and Arthur, age 19, travel from Watertown, WI to Madison, WI to pursue work. Both have become experienced apprentices to the tinsmith trade. At the age of 14 and 16, respectively, George and Arthur began to learn the trade of “tinner.”

1901

historic photo of old building
With a capital investment of $200, the Trachte brothers rent 600 sq. ft. of space at 233-235 King Street and open Trachte Brothers Sheet-Metal Workers. Their first order is for $10 worth of dippers and pans from Madison Candy Company. The city directory lists the brothers as being Madison’s youngest businessmen.

1907

historic photo from 1907 with a group of men outside building
Trachte Brothers Co. moves to a larger space at Bedford and West Washington Ave. near the Illinois Central Depot.

Certifications

CSA A660-10 Certified

Trachte is a CSA A660-10 certified manufacturer as typically required by Canadian building codes.

MB-250-B Accredited

Trachte meets the requirements of AC473, IAS Accreditation Criteria for Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of Cold-Formed Steel Structural and Nonstructural Components Not Requiring Welding. This certification means that Trachte is ready to provide materials in areas where materials manufacturers must be certified to do so.