Lightning Technologies
Coated, sensor-embedded pallets for supply chain logistics.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Early VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Lightning Technologies is a material science and industrial technology company that developed a durable, lightweight, and trackable shipping pallet. Founded in 2015 by Jeffrey Owen, the Michigan-based company aimed to address common issues in logistics, such as product damage, contamination, and lack of supply chain visibility. Owen's background includes running a plastics business where he manufactured plastic pallets before selling the firm in 2009.
The company's core product is a hybrid pallet made from sustainably sourced wood encapsulated in a proprietary polyurea spray coating called ExoBond™, developed in partnership with chemical giant BASF. This coating makes the pallet fire-retardant, hygienic, and resistant to bacteria, mold, and impact. A key feature is an embedded Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or RFID chip that allows for real-time tracking of the pallet's location, temperature, humidity, and any impacts sustained during transit. This IoT capability provides transparency for shipping sensitive items like food and pharmaceuticals.
Lightning Technologies operates through a model of selling and leasing its high-tech pallets, targeting clients who can benefit from reduced product spoilage and enhanced logistical data. The business established highly automated, robotic manufacturing facilities in Michigan to produce the pallets. By 2019, the company had attracted investment from firms like Bravia Capital to support its growth plans.
Keywords: supply chain technology, smart pallets, logistics, asset tracking, IoT, material science, polyurea coating, cold chain monitoring, shipping solutions, industrial manufacturing, RFID tracking, durable packaging, food safety logistics, pharmaceutical shipping, sustainable pallets, automated manufacturing, ExoBond, supply chain visibility, freight technology, advanced materials