Performance

What Performance does

Performance Pallet LLC is a vertically integrated wood packaging manufacturer, recycler, and logistics provider founded in 1981 in Seymour, Wisconsin, and now operating under private equity ownership following a May 2024 transaction. The company manufactures new, recycled, heat-treated (ISPM-15), kiln-dried, and custom wooden pallets (including 48x40 GMA, block, and stringer variants) along with custom wood crates, skids, and specialty packaging, producing approximately 3 million pallets and processing 1.3 million recycled pallets annually. A sawmill in Carney, Michigan generates more than 12 million board feet of hardwood annually, supplying the Seymour manufacturing campuses and enabling a zero-waste closed loop in which wood scrap is converted into consumer products including premium kiln-dried firewood, Bonfire Boss Swedish torch logs, hardwood and hemlock mulch, ADA-certified playground cushion, organic livestock bedding, and topsoil.

Revenue is generated through a mix of direct enterprise sales (quote-based pallet contracts, often delivered under Vendor Managed Inventory programs), retail distribution of consumer firewood and Bonfire Boss products through Menards, unit-priced landscaping and agricultural products, fee-based transportation services (40-truck/450-trailer fleet covering the Lower 48 States with 98%+ on-time delivery), and recycling services processing roughly 3.35 million pounds of wood, cardboard, plastics, and metals annually. Customers span manufacturers, distributors, campgrounds and state parks, landscaping and agricultural operations, and logistics buyers, served through direct sales, phone ordering, website quote requests, and industry association channels. The company holds ISPM-15, USDA, WDATCP, MDA, SmartWay, SFI, and ADA certifications and won the 2025 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award, with sustainability and zero-waste positioning central to its brand.

Name

Performance

Legal name

Performance Pallet LLC

Website

https://performance-corp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wood Packaging Manufacturing

NAICS

Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing (32192), Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing (321920), Wood Product Manufacturing (321), Lumber, Plywood, Millwork, and Wood Panel Merchant Wholesalers (423310), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)

SIC

Wholesale-Lumber, Plywood, Millwork & Wood Panels (5031), Public Warehousing & Storage (4220), Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Pallets (Wood, Plastic, Metal, Presswood) (IMALAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wood Pallets, Crates & Industrial Wood Packaging (IMADADAJ), Export & Compliance Packaging (ISPM-15, Heat-Treated Wood Packaging) (IMALAFAL), Tertiary Packaging & Unitization (Palletizing, Slip-Sheeting, Strapping) (TLAIAGAC)

Keywords

• Wood pallet manufacturing
• Custom wood packaging
• Industrial transportation logistics
• Kiln-dried firewood products
• Wood recycling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Seymour

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Wood Packaging Products: Manufacturing and sale of new pallets, recycled pallets, specialty pallets, crates, skids. Revenue generated from direct sales to manufacturers, distributors, and logistics companies throughout the Midwest.
2. Firewood Products: Sale of pre-bundled hardwood firewood, Bonfire Boss Swedish Torch Logs through retail channels (Menards) and direct sales to campgrounds and retailers
3. Landscape Products: Sale of natural wood mulch, hardwood bark mulch, hemlock bark mulch, and ADA certified playground cushion to landscaping customers and retailers
4. Organic Livestock Bedding: Sale of recycled organic livestock bedding and sawdust with less than 20% moisture content
5. Topsoil and Clay Products: Sale of black dirt and clean fill clay for landscaping and construction projects
6. Transportation Services: Logistics and trucking services throughout the Lower 48 States including dry van, flat bed, dedicated and expedited services. Fleet of 40 trucks and 450 trailers providing delivery of products and haul-away of recyclable materials.
7. Recycling Services: Comprehensive recycling services for wood products, cardboard, paper, rigid plastics, stretch film, metals. Process approximately 3.35M lbs of recycled materials annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Performance Pallet LLC manufactures and sells wood packaging products — including new, recycled, custom, heat-treated, and kiln-dried pallets, custom wood crates, and skids — alongside complementary consumer wood products such as premium kiln-dried firewood, Bonfire Boss Swedish Torch Logs, wood mulch, organic livestock bedding, and topsoil. The company also provides transportation/logistics services across the Lower 48 States with its own fleet, comprehensive recycling services for wood and packaging materials, ISPM-15 certified heat treatment, pallet sanitation, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs. Operations span vertically integrated sawmills, pallet assembly plants, kilns, and a 40-truck transportation fleet.

Product overview

Performance Pallet LLC is a family-owned wood packaging and logistics company operating since 1981, offering a comprehensive portfolio of wood packaging solutions and related services. The core product line centers on wooden pallets (new, recycled, custom, heat-treated, and kiln-dried variants) in standard 48x40 GMA and custom configurations, complemented by custom wood crates for heavy-duty shipping and industrial skids for equipment transport. Beyond packaging, the company manufactures consumer wood products including premium kiln-dried firewood bundles, the Bonfire Boss Swedish torch log, wood mulch in multiple varieties, organic livestock bedding, and topsoil. Services include full-load transportation throughout the Lower 48 States with various trailer types, comprehensive recycling services for multiple material streams, certified heat treatment for ISPM-15 export compliance, sanitation services, and Vendor Managed Inventory programs. The company operates sawmills in Carney, MI and assembly facilities in Seymour, WI, demonstrating vertical integration from lumber processing to finished product delivery and recycling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bonfire Boss: Swedish Torch Log - a quick-start fire log that burns from the inside out with grab-and-go handle for easy campfire lighting
• Performance Transportation

Products and services

• New Pallets New wooden pallets manufactured from fresh lumber, available in standard 48x40 GMA size and custom dimensions, offering uniform structural integrity for shipping and storage applications. Targeted at manufacturers, distributors, and logistics companies.
• Recycled Pallets Reconditioned previously-used pallets that have been inspected, repaired, and restored for reuse, offering cost savings of 20-40% compared to new pallets while supporting sustainability goals. Used by manufacturers, distributors, and logistics companies.
• Custom Pallets Custom-designed wood pallets built to customer specifications including non-standard footprints, higher load capacities, specific deck board spacing, and compatibility with automated warehouse systems. Built for industrial buyers needing specialized configurations.
• Heat-Treated Pallets (ISPM-15) Wooden pallets heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes to eliminate insects and pests, meeting ISPM-15 international phytosanitary standards for export compliance. Targeted at manufacturers and exporters shipping internationally.
• Kiln-Dried Pallets Pallets dried in a controlled kiln environment to reduce internal moisture levels to 15-19%, providing dimensional stability and reduced susceptibility to warping, twisting, or shrinking during storage and transportation. Targeted at industrial buyers needing consistent, stable pallets.
• 48x40 GMA Pallets Industry-standard 48x40 inch pallets standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association), featuring a 3-stringer base with 7 top deck boards, 4-way forklift access, and 2,500+ lbs load capacity. Targeted at grocery, retail, and general shipping users.
• Block Pallets Pallets using nine solid wood blocks at corners and center points enabling true 4-way forklift entry, designed for heavy-duty industrial environments, export shipping, and automated warehouse systems requiring high-load capacity. Targeted at industrial and export users.
• Stringer Pallets Pallets constructed with three parallel stringer boards providing structural support, offering 2-way forklift entry with optional notching for partial 4-way access, serving as the industry workhorse for domestic freight and warehousing. Targeted at domestic freight and warehousing customers.
• Custom Wood Crates Custom-designed wooden shipping containers for heavy machinery, industrial parts, delicate equipment, and irregularly shaped items, available in open, closed, skidded, foam-lined, and reinforced configurations. Targeted at industrial shippers of heavy and oversized equipment.
• Skids Single-deck platform shipping bases supported by runners underneath, designed for heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and oversized items requiring minimal handling or permanent placement. Targeted at industrial shippers of equipment and oversized goods.
• Premium Kiln-Dried Firewood Upper Midwest mixed hardwood firewood, debarked, seasoned, heat-treated, and kiln-dried to optimal moisture levels, available in .65 and .75 cubic foot shrink-wrapped bundles with UPC coding for retail. Sold through Menards and direct to retailers, campgrounds, and state parks.
• Bonfire Boss Swedish Torch Log Quick-start fire log that burns from inside out with a grab-and-go handle, designed for camping, beach days, and outdoor gatherings, providing a clean burn with high flame and low smoke. Sold at Menards retail locations under the Bonfire Boss brand.
• Wood Mulch Recycled hardwood mulch produced from wood manufacturing waste, available in natural ($20/yard), hardwood bark ($30/yard), and hemlock bark ($55/yard) varieties for landscaping moisture retention and weed control. Sold to landscaping companies, municipalities, and retailers.
• ADA Certified Playground Cushion ADA-certified playground safety surfacing material made from recycled wood products at $35/yard, designed to keep playgrounds safe and accessible for all users. Sold to municipalities, schools, parks, and playground operators.
• Organic Livestock Bedding Recycled wood-based animal bedding with less than 20% moisture content, virtually dust-free, produced from wood manufacturing processes for horses, cows, and other livestock. Sold to agricultural operations, equine facilities, and livestock farmers.
• Topsoil and Clean Fill Clay Black dirt and clean fill clay products for landscaping and construction projects. Sold to landscaping companies, contractors, and construction buyers.
• Transportation Services (Performance Transportation) Full-service logistics providing transportation throughout the Lower 48 States including Dry Van, Flat Bed, Dedicated, Expedited, and Spotting services, with EDI, load tracking, supply chain analysis, and 24-hour onsite maintenance. 98%+ on-time arrival rate. Sold to shippers and freight customers.
• Recycling Services Comprehensive recycling for wood products, cardboard, paper, rigid plastics, Styrofoam, stretch film, metal products, and other packaging materials, keeping 100% of collected materials from landfills (3.35M lbs processed annually). Targeted at manufacturers, retailers, and other businesses seeking closed-loop packaging waste solutions.
• Heat Treatment Services Certified heat-treating facility meeting international shipping requirements and global phytosanitary standards (ISPM-15), providing pest-free pallets with reduced moisture and increased safety for export compliance. Targeted at exporters and manufacturers needing certified pallets.
• Pallet Sanitation Services Custom-built inline sanitation systems ensuring clean and sanitized pallets for critical applications, available for both new and recycled pallets. Targeted at food, pharmaceutical, and other contamination-sensitive industries.
• Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Supply chain model where Performance oversees and manages pallet inventory levels at customer locations using data, forecasting, and ongoing communication to ensure optimal just-in-time supply. Targeted at enterprise pallet buyers needing automated replenishment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98%+ on-time delivery rate for transportation services
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EPA SmartWay Transport PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Performance Pallet has been a certified SmartWay partner since 2009, working with the EPA to promote sustainability in freight transportation. The partnership helps reduce transportation-related emissions and demonstrates commitment to environmental responsibility through improved fuel efficiency practices.
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance commits to only buying from SFI-certified loggers who practice sustainable forestry to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
• Great Lakes Lumber Association (LakeStates Lumber Association)minorOthersIndustry association representing 140+ members across 18 states and Canada, promoting sustainable forestry through education, leadership, and legislative advocacy.
• New Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA)minorOthersGroup of manufacturers, educators, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, and state organizations promoting manufacturing in Northeast Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (Green Masters Program)minorOthersProprietary tool helping companies define, prioritize, measure, and manage sustainability performance in environmental, social, and governance areas.
• Truckers Against TraffickingminorOthersEmpowering the trucking industry to combat human trafficking through awareness, education, and action.
• MenardscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMenards serves as a retail distribution channel for Performance's firewood products including USDA certified kiln-dried firewood bundles and Bonfire Boss Swedish Torch Logs available at Menards locations.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PalletOne: PalletOne is one of the largest US pallet manufacturers, producing new and recycled pallets plus custom wood packaging across multiple states. Directly comparable as a vertically integrated pallet producer serving industrial customers with similar size and regional footprint.
• 48forty Solutions: 48forty is a major North American pallet management company formed from the merger of Pallet Recycling and IFCO's US pallet operations, offering pallet manufacturing, recycling, and managed services. Direct competitor in the recycled and new pallet space with national footprint.
• Conner Industries: Conner Industries manufactures wood pallets, custom crates, and skids for industrial customers, operating multiple facilities across the US. Highly comparable as a wood packaging specialist serving similar manufacturing and distribution customers with similar product breadth.
• Kamps Pallets: Kamps is a regional pallet manufacturer and recycler operating across the Midwest and Eastern US with new, recycled, and custom pallet offerings. Direct peer given overlap in Midwest geography and similar product mix including recycled pallet operations.
• Cox Industries: Cox Industries is a wood products manufacturer producing pallets, mulch, and industrial wood packaging across the Southeastern US. Comparable as a pallet manufacturer with adjacent consumer wood products (mulch) and similar vertical integration from lumber to finished goods.
• Bison Pallet & Lumber: Bison Pallet is a Midwest-based pallet manufacturer and lumber producer serving manufacturing and logistics customers. Comparable as a regional vertically integrated pallet maker with similar geographic and customer overlap to Performance.

Broad incumbents

• CHEP: CHEP is the global leader in pallet pooling, managing millions of pooled pallets for major CPG and retail customers. Comparable as a pallet industry incumbent and indirect competitor; contrasts with Performance's ownership model but addresses the same end-customer logistics needs.
• UFP Industries: UFP Industries is a large diversified wood products manufacturer producing pallets, packaging, and building materials across North America. Comparable as a broader wood packaging incumbent with pallet operations that compete for similar industrial customers at scale.
• Sonoco Products: Sonoco is a global packaging conglomerate offering industrial and consumer packaging solutions including wood and composite pallets. Comparable as a broad incumbent in protective packaging serving overlapping industrial customer segments, though much larger and more diversified.

Emerging players

• iGPS Logistics: iGPS operates a national rental pool of lightweight plastic pallets, directly competing with wood pallets for shippers seeking sanitation, automation compatibility, and lower total trip cost. Comparable as a pallet competitor targeting similar industrial logistics customers with an alternative substrate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/performanceWI
• Facebookfacebook.com/PerformanceCorp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/performance-pallet-corp.

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Performance