LMK Technologies, LLC

What LMK Technologies, LLC does

LMK Technologies, LLC is an Ottawa, Illinois-based manufacturer of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining systems and equipment for trenchless sewer rehabilitation, founded in 1993 by Larry Kiest Jr. The company's core technology is one-piece main-and-lateral CIPP connection lining paired with its proprietary Insignia hydrophilic gasket sealing system, which is engineered to prevent water migration behind liners — the dominant failure mode in CIPP rehabilitation. The product portfolio centers on the T-Liner family (Original T-Liner, Shorty, Stubby), the Performance Liner Lateral and Sectional systems, the VAC-A-TEE cleanout installation system, the Lapel Liner for large-diameter mains (27-60 inches), and the LightRay LRS UV-curing system, plus accessories such as the Lined Main Tap (LMT) Saddle. The company holds more than 100 U.S. and foreign issued patents and has driven the development of multiple ASTM standards (F2561, F3240, F3097, F2599, F1216), making it the reference implementation for engineers who specify main-to-lateral CIPP work.

LMK generates revenue through four primary streams: (1) sale of proprietary CIPP liner consumables and Insignia gasket products, (2) sale of custom trenchless installation equipment (wet-out trailers, steam trucks, launch tanks) and complete turn-key system packages, (3) per-state license fees and mandatory 4-day training programs charged to authorized independent contractors, and (4) direct sales to utility owners and municipalities, including licensing of patented technologies for self-installation and equipment resale for Picote and Schwalm robotics as the North American distributor. The company serves four primary customer segments — utility owners/municipalities, specifying engineers, trenchless rehabilitation contractors, and plumbers/drain cleaners — and has been recognized with a Chicago Innovation Award (2015), WEF Citation of Excellence awards, and an NASTT Ralston Award (2017). Since April 2019, LMK has operated as a subsidiary of Waterline Renewal Technologies, a platform consolidator in trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation that also owns PLI/Perma-Liner.

Name

LMK Technologies, LLC

Legal name

LMK Technologies, LLC

Website

https://lmktechnologies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LMK Technologies manufactures patented CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) lining systems, Insignia hydrophilic gasket sealing, and trenchless rehabilitation equipment, selling through a licensed contractor network and directly to municipal utilities across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trenchless Sewer Rehabilitation Equipment

NAICS

Plastics Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing (326122)

SIC

Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)

akta.pro primary industry

Trenchless/Directional Drilling Ducts & Conduit (IMANADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pipe Accessories & Joining Systems (Couplings, Gaskets, Solvent Cement, Fusion Fittings) (IMANADAJ), Pipe Fittings, Couplings & Connectors (IMADALAD)

Keywords

• Trenchless sewer rehabilitation
• Cured-in-place pipe
• CIPP lining systems
• Sewer lateral renewal
• Trenchless pipeline equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. CIPP Liner Products: Sale of proprietary CIPP liner products including T-Liner, Shorty, Stubby, Performance Liner, Sectional Connection Liner, Lapel Liner, and related gasket sealing products (Insignia O-Rings, End Seal Sleeve, Hydrophilic Connection Hat) to licensed independent contractors and municipalities.
2. Trenchless Equipment and Systems: Fabrication and sale of custom trenchless lining equipment including Wet-Out Trailers, Steam Trucks/Steamers, LMK 5-Liner Installation Systems, Lateral Launch Inversion Tanks, and complete turn-key packages. Equipment is custom tailored to contractor/installer needs with 3-D prototyping, CNC machining, MIG/TIG/plasma cutting, and metal rolling capabilities.
3. Licensed Contractor Network Fees: LMK charges a License Fee per Territory (State) for contractors to become authorized installers of T-Liner and other systems. Training fees are charged separately for in-house training (minimum 4 days) or field training at customer location.
4. Technology Licensing: Licensing of LMK's patented technologies and ASTM-compliant processes to utility owners for self-installation. Provides specifications, submittal documents, and technical data sheets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LMK Technologies designs, manufactures and sells cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining systems, hydrophilic gasket sealing products, trenchless cleanout installation equipment, and custom fabrication of installation systems (Wet-Out Trailers, Steam Trucks, Lateral Launch Tanks) for the rehabilitation of sewer laterals and mainlines. The T-Liner family (T-Liner, Shorty, Stubby), Performance Liner systems, Insignia sealing products (End Seal Sleeve, O-Rings, Hydrophilic Connection Hat), VAC-A-TEE, LMT saddle, and the LightRay LRS UV curing system form the product core, all conforming to ASTM standards F2561, F2599, F3240, F3097 and F1216. The company sells primarily to licensed independent contractors (who pay per-state territory license fees and complete mandatory training) and directly to utility owners and municipalities for open bid contracts and turn-key self-install packages.

Product overview

LMK Technologies is a manufacturer and technology provider of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) infrastructure solutions for sewer rehabilitation. The product portfolio centers on the T-Liner® family of products (T-Liner®, Shorty™, Stubby™) which are one-piece main-to-lateral CIPP connection liners, supplemented by the Performance Liner® Lateral System and Performance Liner® Sectional Repair for mainline rehabilitation. The portfolio also includes VAC-A-TEE® for cleanout installation, the Insignia™ hydrophilic sealing product line (End Seal Sleeve, O-Rings, Hydrophilic Connection Hat) for watertight seals, and complementary equipment including Lateral Launch Tanks, Lateral Steamers, Schwalm Robotics, Picote Cutters, and CIPP Wetout Trailers. The company also offers the LightRay LRS UV curing system as a faster alternative to traditional thermal curing. Systems are available in ambient cure, steam cure, and UV cure variants, and the company serves municipal and residential markets through a network of licensed contractors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• T-Liner: One-piece homogeneous main and lateral CIPP connection liner extending up to 200 feet up lateral
• Shorty
• Stubby
• Performance Liner
• Insignia
• VAC-A-TEE
• LightRay LRS
• LMT (Lined Main Tap)

Products and services

• T-Liner® (Original T-Liner) One-piece homogenous main and lateral CIPP connection liner; both mainline and lateral sections are formed as a structural cylinder that renews 18 inches and 360 degrees of the mainline and extends up the lateral pipe as one continuous lining, up to 200 feet. ASTM F2561 compliant; installed by licensed independent contractors and self-installing utilities.
• Shorty™ T-Liner One-piece, structural, stand-alone homogeneous main-to-lateral CIPP connection liner extending 3-10 feet up into the lateral pipe; designed for municipalities wanting the connection sealed without the cost or legal issues of installing a cleanout. Available in ambient, steam and LightRay LRS UV cure variants.
• Stubby™ T-Liner Structural full-circle main liner tube extending 6 inches up the lateral with proper wall thickness for each pipe diameter, providing a one-piece structural connection with Insignia hydrophilic compression gasket sealing.
• Sectional Connection Liner Process that renews pipes from 8-12 inches in diameter in continuous lengths up to 6 feet while simultaneously renewing the connection and lateral service pipe for up to 8 feet using gasket sealing technology with Insignia hydrophilic O-Rings.
• Lapel Liner for Large Diameter Pipes Patent-pending trenchless solution for rehabilitating main-to-lateral connections in lined or unlined large-diameter main pipelines via man entry; features one-piece structural lateral lining with sealed connection. Stainless steel compression ring mechanically anchors the liner independent of host pipe adherence; for mainlines 27-60 inches with laterals 4-24 inches.
• Performance Liner® Lateral System Cured-in-place process that allows positioning of the liner anywhere in the pipe by inverting through a cleanout. Can be directed upstream or downstream using LMK's patented guide shoe; capable of installation in pipes under foundations, inside walls, or vertical applications; renews laterals 4-8 inches in diameter in continuous lengths up to 130 feet.
• Performance Liner® Sectional Repair ASTM F2599 compliant one-step CIPP solution for spot repairs on mainlines that renews pipes from 6 to 36 inches in diameter in continuous lengths up to 50 feet, with no resin loss and gasket sealing via patented Insignia Hydrophilic O-Rings.
• Mainline Lateral Seal Engineered full-circle structural mainline lateral seal designed to seal lateral pipe connections with verifiable non-leaking compression gasket seals that are impervious to roots and groundwater.
• LMT™ (Lined Main Tap) Saddle Installation System System engineered to connect a lateral sewer service pipe to a liner inside a rehabilitated mainline or directly to the mainline pipe; saddle sized to surround the liner or pipe beyond the spring line creating a clamping effect, with universal LMK Adhesive providing flexible non-leaking connection. Compatible with CIPP, fold and form liners, cast iron, clay, concrete, PVC, and HDPE.
• VAC-A-TEE® Trenchless Cleanout Installation System Environmentally friendly cleanout installation system using hydro or vacuum excavation with patented PVC saddle, riser pipe, and proprietary hybrid adhesive/sealant. ASTM F3097 compliant; diamond core saw used to cut and remove crown of pipe.
• Insignia™ End Seal Sleeve Seamlessly molded end seal providing 360-degree swelling gasket with large sealing surface for uniform water-tight seal; compatible with all types of CIPP liners including inversion and pull-in-place.
• Insignia™ O-Rings Hydrophilic O-Rings attached to the liner and inverted into the pipeline, providing a compression seal at termination points; swell up to five times their original size when exposed to water for long-term flexible seal.
• Insignia™ Hydrophilic Connection Hat (Hydro Hat) 360-degree sealing gasket providing positive compression seal at the main-to-lateral junction, preventing water tracking behind the liner at the junction where maximum infiltration and inflow occurs. 3-inch brim seated against the mainline pipe extending up into the lateral pipe.
• Lateral Launch Tank Equipment designed for lining through cleanout process that can install CIPP liners from one access point by inversion with upstream or downstream direction capability; available in 30-inch and 36-inch sizes.
• Lateral Steamer Portable diesel-powered mini steam cure unit that can cure liners in under an hour; designed for tight spaces with 460,000 BTU per hour and 1 GPM at 100 PSI.
• Schwalm Robotics (Distributed) German-engineered pipe renovation robots distributed by LMK Technologies for the North American market; self-driven, with operating ranges of 6-12 inches and 8-24 inches, color pan/tilt zoom camera and lens washing device. Used to install LMK T-Liner, Shorty and Stubby liners and to cut and grind pipe interiors.
• Picote Cutter System (Distributed) Distributed trenchless drain rehabilitation machinery from Picote Oy Ltd., including Smart Cutter for cast iron and clay pipes, Twister lateral cutter for plastic pipes, and milling machines for cleaning and de-rooting. LMK imports and warehouses Picote equipment and replacement parts to serve the North American market.
• CIPP Wetout Trailer Custom-built resin-impregnation trailer providing a temperature-controlled environment with flat wet-out surface; available in 24 or 28 foot lengths.
• LightRay LRS UV Curing System UV-activated resin system for the Shorty T-Liner using proprietary cold LED light launcher and light train; casts full mainline wrap and up to 10 feet up the lateral in as quickly as 10 minutes. No excess heat; exceeds structural requirements of ASTM F1216. Available in mainline diameters of 8, 10, and 12 inches with lateral diameters of 4 and 6 inches.
• T-Liner Steam System Complete turn-key mobile steam unit package for ASTM F2561 compliant T-Liner installation, including 5-line hose reel, steam boiler, generator, compressor, and wetout trailer.
• T-Liner Ambient System Full-length T-Liner ambient cure system with Boss Bullett II rotary screw air compressor and portable air reel system for CIPP installation.

Quantifiable outcome

• T-Liner system can renew up to 200 feet of lateral from a single access point
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Picote Oy Ltd.coreTechnology or Integration · 9 August 2013Picote Oy Ltd., headquartered in Porvoo, Finland, selected LMK Technologies as their North American Distributor for the full line of trenchless drain rehabilitation machinery and tools including Smart Cutter and Twister lateral cutter systems. LMK imports and warehouses Picote equipment and replacement parts to serve the North American market.
• Schwalm RoboticscoreTechnology or IntegrationLMK is a distributor for Schwalm Robotic Systems, German-engineered pipe renovation robots that are self-driven and compatible with CCTV inspection camera systems. Schwalm robots are used to install LMK's T-Liner, Shorty, and Stubby CIPP liners, cut and grind pipe interiors, and perform mainline camera inspections. LMK also developed adapters enabling Schwalm robots to plug and play with mainline CCTV systems.
• Waterline Renewal TechnologiesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterline Renewal Technologies (WRT) is the parent company of LMK Technologies. WRT acquired PLI (Perma-Liner) and serves as the parent organization overseeing LMK and related subsidiaries. CEO Harley Kaplan oversees WRT and its subsidiaries including LMK. WRT announced a new partner in April 2019 regarding acquisition of the parent company. Triwater Holdings was previously identified as an investor/parent.
• Liner Guys Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiner Guys Inc., based in London, Ontario, Canada, is an approved installer of LMK's certified lateral liner systems including the Performance Liner Lateral System. Founded in 2012, the company doubled sales in its second year and serves over 300 residential, corporate, and municipal customers. LMK is described as a valuable partner and driving force behind their success.
• Quam ConstructioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQuam Construction of Willmar, Minnesota joined LMK's network of independent licensed contractors for the T-Liner Main-to-Lateral Connection Lining System. Also plans to become licensed in Performance Liner Sectional Spot Repair, Cured-In-Place Manhole Rehabilitation, and VAC-A-TEE Cleanout systems. Family-owned company operating since 1956.
• NASTT (North American Society for Trenchless Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLMK actively participates in NASTT through technical paper presentations at No-Dig Shows, committee leadership (Amana Arayan chairs the Young Professionals Committee), and industry advocacy. NASTT is a multi-disciplinary society advancing trenchless technology through education, research, and partnerships.
• NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASSCO was formed in 1976 to improve the success rate of everyone involved in the pipeline rehabilitation industry through education, technical resources, and industry advocacy. LMK is affiliated with NASSCO and its PACP pipeline assessment standards.
• ASTM InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLMK has been instrumental in developing multiple ASTM standards for trenchless rehabilitation including F2561 (T-Liner), F3240 (Insignia hydrophilic gaskets), F3097 (VAC-A-TEE cleanout), F3303, and F2599 (Sectional repair). These standards position LMK as a reference implementation and create barriers to entry.
• MSTT (Midwest Society for Trenchless Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTT is a non-profit promoting trenchless technology education in the Midwest. Rick Gage, VP of Sales at LMK, serves on the MSTT board of directors. LMK actively participates in MSTT events and educational programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Aegion Corporation (Insituform): Aegion's Insituform is the global leader in CIPP mainline sewer rehabilitation, directly competing with LMK's T-Liner and Performance Liner systems in municipal markets. Both companies sell CIPP lining products and services to utilities and contractors, with overlapping end-customers and specifications.
• Perma-Liner Industries (PLI): Perma-Liner is LMK's sister company under Waterline Renewal Technologies and a direct competitor in CIPP lateral lining systems. PLI offers competing lateral liner products to the same licensed contractor and municipal customer base, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• HammerHead Trenchless Equipment: HammerHead manufactures trenchless equipment and consumables for pipe rehabilitation, including CIPP lining systems and pipe-bursting tools. Overlaps with LMK in serving trenchless contractors with equipment and liner products.
• MaxLiner USA: MaxLiner manufactures CIPP lateral lining equipment and consumables, sold through a certified installer network — a business model directly comparable to LMK's licensed contractor channel. Direct overlap in lateral CIPP for municipal and residential markets.
• SAERTEX multiCom: SAERTEX multiCom produces UV-cured CIPP liners and glass-reinforced hose liners for trenchless sewer rehabilitation. Competes with LMK in the same CIPP category with comparable UV-cure positioning to LMK's LightRay LRS system.
• Applied Felts / FerraTex Solutions: Applied Felts is a leading manufacturer of CIPP felt and reinforced liner tubes sold to CIPP installers worldwide. Supplies the primary raw material (liner tube) for the same CIPP installers that buy LMK's gasket sealing products, making it a closely adjacent peer.

Emerging players

• Source One Environmental (S1E): Source One Environmental offers trenchless lateral lining systems and CIPP installation equipment to municipalities and contractors. Smaller, emerging player with overlapping product line in the same CIPP lateral rehabilitation niche.

Broad incumbents

• Trelleborg Pipe Seals: Trelleborg is a global industrial polymer manufacturer with a pipe seals division producing elastomeric seals for sewer and stormwater pipe systems. A broader incumbent adjacent to LMK's Insignia hydrophilic gasket sealing business.

Others

• Picote Solutions: LMK is the North American distributor for Picote's CIPP cutting and milling equipment. Picote manufactures Smart Cutter and Twister lateral cutter systems used by the same trenchless contractors that install LMK's CIPP liners.
• Schwalm Robotics: Schwalm is a German manufacturer of pipe renovation robots that LMK distributes in North America. Schwalm robots install LMK's T-Liner products, making the two deeply integrated ecosystem partners serving the same CIPP installer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 LMK Technologies, LLC