Our Story
From a small Cleveland operation to Northeast Ohio's leading pallet recycler — built on sustainability, reliability, and community. Over 15 years of keeping pallets out of landfills and delivering dependable service to thousands of businesses.
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Keeping Pallets Out of Landfills
Cleveland Pallet Co. was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to give every pallet a second chance. In an industry where millions of pallets are discarded annually, we saw an opportunity to make a real environmental impact. What started as a passion project in a small east-side warehouse has grown into a full-scale operation that processes over half a million pallets every year.
Our team inspects, grades, repairs, and redistributes used pallets that would otherwise end up in landfills. We work with businesses of all sizes — from small warehouses to Fortune 500 distribution centers — providing high-quality pallets at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Every pallet we recycle represents timber that doesn't need to be harvested, energy that doesn't need to be spent on manufacturing, and landfill space that stays available for waste that truly can't be reused.
When a pallet has reached the end of its usable life, we don't just throw it away. We break it down and recycle the materials into mulch, animal bedding, biomass fuel, and more. Our goal is zero waste — and we're getting closer every year. In 2024, we achieved a 98% waste diversion rate, meaning only 2% of materials entering our facility end up in landfills.
We believe that profitability and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. By extending the life of every pallet, we save our customers money while simultaneously protecting the forests and ecosystems that sustain us all. That's not just good business — it's the right thing to do.
Our Impact in Numbers
Every number tells a story of environmental stewardship, business reliability, and community commitment. Here's a snapshot of what Cleveland Pallet Co. has accomplished since 2010.
State-of-the-Art Operations
Our 40,000 square foot facility on Cleveland's industrial corridor is purpose-built for high-volume pallet processing. The layout was designed by logistics engineers to optimize flow from receiving dock to inspection, repair, and outbound staging. Every square foot serves a function, allowing us to process up to 2,500 pallets per day during peak operations.
The facility features an automated sorting and grading system that uses a combination of visual inspection stations and structural integrity testing. Pallets are conveyed through multi-point checkpoints where trained inspectors evaluate board condition, nail integrity, stringer strength, and dimensional accuracy. This ensures every pallet that leaves our facility meets or exceeds industry standards for its designated grade.
Our repair stations are equipped with pneumatic nailing systems, precision saws, and a full inventory of replacement lumber. Skilled technicians can replace damaged boards, reinforce weakened stringers, and restore pallets to full load-bearing capacity. On average, we repair and return to service over 60% of pallets that arrive with damage, dramatically extending their useful life.
The facility also houses our ISPM-15 certified heat treatment chamber, which can process large batches of pallets for international shipping compliance. Our wood recycling area includes an industrial grinder that converts end-of-life pallets into mulch, animal bedding material, and biomass fuel feedstock. A dedicated metal separation system ensures nails and fasteners are recovered for scrap recycling.
Receiving & Intake
4 loading docks with capacity for 6 full trailers simultaneously. Pallets are unloaded, counted, and tagged for tracking through the system.
Automated Sorting Line
Conveyor-based inspection line with multiple checkpoints. Pallets are graded A, B, or C and routed to appropriate staging areas.
Repair Workshop
8 repair stations staffed by experienced technicians. Board replacement, re-nailing, and structural reinforcement capabilities.
Heat Treatment Chamber
ISPM-15 compliant kiln capable of processing 500+ pallets per cycle. Core temperature monitoring ensures full compliance.
Recycling & Grinding
Industrial wood grinder and metal separation system. Converts end-of-life pallets into mulch, biomass, and recoverable scrap metal.
Outbound Staging
10,000 sq ft dedicated staging area organized by grade, size, and customer order. Streamlined loading for next-day delivery.
Company Timeline
From humble beginnings to Northeast Ohio's premier pallet recycling operation, here's how our story has unfolded over the years.
The Beginning
Cleveland Pallet Co. was founded in a small 5,000 sq ft warehouse on Cleveland's east side with just 3 employees and a mission to recycle pallets. Armed with hand tools, determination, and a pickup truck, the founding team collected and resold their first 200 pallets in the opening month.
First Full-Time Crew
Grew to 8 full-time employees and established regular pickup routes serving Cleveland's industrial corridor. Monthly processing volume reached 5,000 pallets as word spread among local warehouses and manufacturers.
Repair Operations Launch
Invested in pneumatic nailing equipment and set up our first dedicated repair stations. This allowed us to salvage pallets previously destined for the scrap pile, increasing our reuse rate from 40% to over 65%.
First Major Contract
Secured our first large-scale contract with a regional distribution center, processing 10,000 pallets monthly. This partnership validated our quality standards and opened doors to other major accounts in the region.
Fleet Acquisition
Purchased our first two flatbed trucks, transitioning from relying on third-party haulers to providing our own pickup and delivery services. This reduced costs for customers and gave us control over scheduling.
Facility Expansion
Moved to our current 40,000 sq ft facility to accommodate growing demand. Added automated sorting and grading systems, quadrupling our daily processing capacity. The new location provided direct highway access for efficient logistics.
Recycling Program Formalized
Launched our comprehensive end-of-life recycling program, partnering with local mulch producers, biomass energy facilities, and animal bedding suppliers. Waste diversion rate climbed to 90% for the first time.
ISPM-15 Certification
Became certified for heat treatment of export pallets, opening up international shipping markets for our clients. Installed our first commercial-scale heat treatment chamber capable of processing 300 pallets per cycle.
Quality Management System
Implemented a comprehensive quality management system with standardized inspection protocols, traceability tracking, and customer satisfaction benchmarking. This set the foundation for our industry-leading consistency.
Fleet Expansion
Invested in a fleet of 8 delivery trucks to provide direct pallet transportation services across Northeast Ohio. Added GPS tracking for real-time delivery updates and optimized routing for fuel efficiency.
Pandemic Response
Deemed an essential business, we kept operations running throughout the pandemic, supporting food distributors, medical supply chains, and essential manufacturers with uninterrupted pallet supply during a critical time.
Zero Waste Initiative
Launched our zero-waste program, achieving a 98% waste diversion rate through recycling, mulching, and biomass conversion. Joined the EPA SmartWay program and committed to reducing our own fleet emissions.
50-Employee Milestone
Reached 50 full-time employees, making us one of the largest pallet recycling operations in Northeast Ohio. Introduced employee benefits program including healthcare, retirement matching, and skills training.
Plastic Pallet Line
Expanded our product range to include plastic pallets, offering more options for specialized industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing that require non-porous, washable surfaces.
Digital Transformation
Launched our online platform for easier ordering, tracking, and pallet management for all customers. Introduced automated inventory alerts and a customer portal for real-time order status visibility.
Sustainability Leadership
Surpassed 7 million total pallets recycled since founding. Began planning for solar panel installation on facility roof and exploring electric vehicle options for our delivery fleet as part of our 2030 carbon reduction goals.
The People Behind the Pallets
Our team of 50+ dedicated professionals brings decades of combined experience in logistics, wood products, environmental management, and customer service. Every role is essential to our mission.
General Manager
Executive LeadershipOversees all operations, strategic planning, and business development. 20+ years in logistics and supply chain management.
Operations Director
OperationsManages daily facility operations, production scheduling, and quality control. Ensures processing targets and quality standards are consistently met.
Fleet Manager
LogisticsCoordinates all pickup and delivery routes, vehicle maintenance, and driver scheduling. Optimizes logistics for maximum efficiency across Northeast Ohio.
Sales Manager
Sales & AccountsLeads the sales team, manages key accounts, and develops new business relationships. Works closely with clients to match pallet solutions to their needs.
Quality Assurance Lead
Quality ControlOversees inspection protocols, grading standards, and compliance certifications. Ensures every pallet meets our rigorous quality benchmarks.
Sustainability Coordinator
EnvironmentalTracks environmental metrics, manages recycling partnerships, and develops new waste reduction initiatives. Champions our zero-waste mission.
Warehouse Supervisor
WarehouseManages inventory staging, order fulfillment, and warehouse organization. Coordinates between repair, sorting, and outbound operations.
Repair Team Lead
Repair & RefurbishmentLeads the skilled repair technicians, manages lumber inventory for repairs, and trains new team members on restoration techniques.
Additional Team Members
Beyond our leadership team, Cleveland Pallet Co. employs over 40 additional team members including forklift operators, repair technicians, sorters, CDL drivers, administrative staff, and customer service representatives. We're proud that our average employee tenure exceeds 4 years, reflecting the supportive and growth-oriented work environment we've built.
What Drives Us
These six core values aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, from how we grade a pallet to how we treat our employees and customers.
Sustainability
Every decision we make starts with the environment. We believe profitability and ecological responsibility go hand in hand. From our recycling processes to our fleet management, we constantly seek ways to reduce our environmental footprint. We track every metric — pallets diverted from landfills, trees saved, carbon emissions avoided — because you can't improve what you don't measure. Our 98% waste diversion rate is a testament to this commitment, and we won't stop until we reach 100%.
Reliability
When you order pallets, you need them on time and in the right condition. Our 99.5% on-time delivery rate speaks for itself. We understand that supply chain disruptions cost our clients money, so we maintain buffer inventory, flexible scheduling, and redundant delivery capacity. Our customers know that when they place an order with Cleveland Pallet, it will arrive when promised, every time. That trust is earned delivery by delivery.
Community
We're proud to be a Cleveland company, employing local workers and supporting the local economy. This city is in our name and our heart. We hire from the neighborhoods around our facility, provide competitive wages and benefits, and invest in training programs that give team members real career pathways. When Cleveland thrives, we thrive — and we work every day to make sure the reverse is true as well.
Innovation
From automated sorting to digital tracking, we constantly invest in technology to serve our clients better. Our online ordering platform, real-time delivery tracking, and automated inventory management systems are just the beginning. We're always evaluating new technologies — from AI-powered grading systems to electric delivery vehicles — that can help us work smarter, faster, and more sustainably.
Transparency
Honest grading, fair pricing, and clear communication. No surprises, no hidden fees. Every pallet grade is clearly defined with objective criteria. Our pricing is straightforward and competitive. When issues arise — and in any business they sometimes do — we communicate proactively and make it right. We publish our sustainability metrics annually because we believe accountability builds trust.
Quality
Every pallet is inspected and graded before it leaves our facility. We stand behind every product we sell. Our multi-point inspection process evaluates board condition, nail integrity, structural strength, and dimensional accuracy. If a pallet doesn't meet the standard for its grade, it gets repaired or downgraded — never shipped as something it's not. Quality isn't just a department; it's a company-wide commitment.
Rooted in Cleveland
Local Employment & Economic Impact
Cleveland Pallet Co. is more than a business — we're a neighborhood employer. Over 90% of our 50+ team members live within 20 miles of our facility, and we prioritize hiring from the communities closest to our operations. Since 2010, we've created over 50 full-time jobs with competitive wages, health insurance, and retirement benefits.
We invest in our people through ongoing skills training, safety certification programs, and career advancement opportunities. Several of our current supervisors and leads started as entry-level sorters and worked their way up through our internal development program.
Our economic ripple effect extends beyond direct employment. We work with dozens of local suppliers, service providers, and partner businesses. From the lumber yards that supply our repair materials to the mechanics who maintain our fleet, Cleveland Pallet Co. supports a network of local businesses that strengthens the regional economy.
Vocational Training Partnerships
We partner with local vocational schools and workforce development programs to provide hands-on training opportunities. Graduates of these programs gain practical skills in logistics, equipment operation, and wood products that serve them throughout their careers.
Community Mulch Program
Each spring, we donate thousands of cubic yards of recycled wood mulch to Cleveland-area parks, community gardens, and neighborhood beautification projects. This turns what would be waste into a resource that enhances public spaces.
Local Business Support
We offer discounted pallet solutions to small Cleveland-area startups and businesses. We believe in supporting the next generation of local entrepreneurs the same way our community supported us when we were starting out.
Environmental Education
Our facility hosts tours for schools and community groups to learn about recycling, sustainability, and green business practices. We believe education is key to building a culture of environmental responsibility.
Awards & Certifications
Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community service has been recognized by industry organizations and local institutions alike.
ISPM-15 Certified Facility
Internationally recognized certification for heat treatment of wood packaging materials. Allows our clients to ship export pallets that meet global phytosanitary standards.
NWPCA Member
Proud member of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, the industry's leading trade organization. Membership ensures we stay current with best practices and industry standards.
EPA SmartWay Partner
Recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for our commitment to reducing transportation-related emissions through efficient fleet management and route optimization.
Ohio Green Business Award
Awarded by the Ohio EPA for demonstrated environmental stewardship and innovation in waste reduction practices within the wood products and recycling industry.
Cleveland Small Business Excellence
Recognized by the Greater Cleveland Partnership for outstanding business growth, community impact, and job creation in the Cleveland metropolitan area.
Zero Waste Committed
Committed to the zero-waste philosophy with a verified 98% waste diversion rate. Working toward 100% diversion through continued process improvements and new recycling partnerships.
Our Vision for the Future
As we look toward the next decade, Cleveland Pallet Co. is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable logistics. Our vision encompasses not just growth in scale, but transformation in how the entire pallet industry approaches environmental responsibility.
Solar-Powered Facility (2026)
We're planning the installation of a 200kW rooftop solar array that will generate approximately 40% of our facility's electricity needs, reducing our reliance on grid power and lowering our operational carbon footprint.
Electric Fleet Transition (2027-2030)
We're developing a phased plan to transition our delivery fleet to electric vehicles as commercial EV options become available for our use cases. This will eliminate tailpipe emissions from our transportation operations.
Regional Expansion (2027)
Plans to open a second processing facility in the Akron-Canton corridor to better serve southern and central Ohio markets, reducing delivery distances and improving service speed for clients outside the Cleveland metro area.
AI-Powered Grading (2026-2027)
Investing in computer vision and machine learning technology to supplement manual inspection with automated defect detection. This will improve grading consistency and speed while allowing our skilled inspectors to focus on complex assessments.
100% Waste Diversion (2028)
Our ultimate sustainability goal is achieving a verified 100% waste diversion rate — meaning absolutely nothing from our facility ends up in a landfill. We're exploring new partnerships and technologies to close the remaining 2% gap.
Ready to partner with Northeast Ohio's most forward-thinking pallet company? Whether you need pallets today or want to discuss a long-term supply strategy, we're here to help.