SERVING CUSTOMERS SINCE 1897

SCHILLING SUPPLY COMPANY (known as Schilling Paper Co. from 1897–2004) has proudly served customers since 1897! Our passion is to support the success of our customers. Through an exceptional partnership that values customer relationships and our respective communities, we believe this vested interest is what sets us apart from the rest.

A lot has changed over the years, but we still have the same commitment to our customers that Isador Schilling had when he started the company over 120 years ago. We know that it’s only through successful relationships with our customers that we can grow to meet the challenges of the future. From the very small to the very large, it’s always our goal to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.

Our History

Isador Schilling

In 1859, RB Schilling came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, from the Black Forest region of Germany and started a successful soap factory featuring the brand “Sweet Home” soap. Old settlers remembered “Sweet Home” from those days when “the Saturday night tub bath was a ritual, and mother scrubbed the laundry by hand.” When RB passed in 1872, his brother Isador arrived to manage the business.

Isador eventually sold the soap factory in 1890 and purchased an interest in a meat packing plant. He sold meat and sausage to the retail trade of La Crosse during the gaslight era. Isador also invested in several grocery stores, which developed into a wholesale flour and feed business. A big seller was flour made in Galesville, Wisconsin, called “Valley Queen.” The company also distributed Pure Gold and Pillsbury’s Best brands of flour.

Isador Schilling

Gustave and Adolph Schilling

In 1897, with his two sons, Adolph and Gustave, Isador purchased a small stock of wrapping paper from a Minneapolis jobber and started Schilling Paper Company. This was the start of a distribution business, which grew with the increased use of paper for bags, towels, and containers. Isador retired from active work in favor of his sons.

Adolph and Gustave Schilling served customers of Schilling Paper Company until their retirement. The business then was sold to the third generation. Adolph sold his interest to his nephew, Allan, while Gustave’s interest was purchased by his other two sons, Richard and Robert.

Gustave and Adolph Schilling

Richard, Robert, and Allan Schilling

The three Schilling brothers were well prepared for the business. All three started working at the paper company in their teens—sweeping the warehouse, making deliveries, unloading railroad cars, and filling orders. This on-the-job training continued with the next two Schilling generations.

Brothers Richard, Robert and Allan Schilling
(Gustave's sons)

Allan Jr. and John Schilling

Ownership remained in the Schilling family, with Allan Jr. and John Schilling purchasing the business in 1973. During their tenure, a great deal of expansion occurred, beginning with the 1975 purchase of Dieter Paper Supply in Rochester, Minnesota. The company went on to make six other acquisitions by 1996, in addition to expanding into new markets via organic growth. In 1997, Allan’s son, Chip, purchased an interest in the business and changed the name to Schilling Supply Company in 2004.

Allan Jr. and John Schilling
(Allan's sons)

THE SUPPLIES YOU NEED, THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

Schilling Supply Company has been a part of this community since 1897. We’ve grown a lot since then, and have become one of the most trusted and reliable distributors in the area. We’re proud to work with so many well-respected companies and organizations throughout the Midwest. We work hard to provide the best service possible, and the satisfaction of our customers is our number-one priority!

Our Vision

Our Vision is to be an industry recognized leader of supply solutions within the communities we serve.

Our Mission

Our mission is to exceed customer expectations by providing exceptional products, services, and solutions through strong relationships with our employees and suppliers.