Substrate Technology
Substrate Technology is a privately held, family-run manufacturer and multi-brand distributor of concrete surface preparation equipment founded in 1995 in Morris, Illinois. It sells its proprietary Prep/Master gear-to-gear grinders, patented diamond tooling and chemicals to commercial flooring contractors, terrazzo restorers, and decorative concrete installers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersMorris, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Substrate Technology does
Substrate Technology, Inc. is a privately held, family-run manufacturer and supplier of concrete surface preparation equipment founded in 1995 by William "Bill" Jones and headquartered in Morris, Illinois. The company serves commercial flooring contractors, terrazzo and stone restoration professionals, and decorative concrete installers, with named end-users ranging from Armorpoxy, Stoncor Canada, Garage Kings, and Concrete Resources, Inc. to international projects such as the National Art Gallery Singapore (via Asia Mortor Pte.). The company operates a single U.S. office at 1384 Bungalow Rd., with a headcount of 11-50 employees, and distributes through direct phone/website sales supported by an eBay storefront and a hosted used-equipment listing board.
Substrate Technology's core technology is its proprietary Prep/Master line of concrete floor grinders, which use a gear-to-gear drive architecture with cast aluminum gearboxes (no belts or pulleys) and is offered in working widths from 23" to 44" for projects ranging from 1,000 SF to over 20,000 SF. Around this in-house grinder line, the company sells its own patented FL-07 diamond polishing pads, STI Terrazzo pads (Terrazzo+, Terrazzo REDZ, STI Terrazzos), color-coded STI diamond systems (CLC, EGT, TPS, PLP), and complementary equipment from authorized brands including Lavina planetary grinders, IMPACTS shot blasters (5"-23", production rates 430-4,300 SF/hr), Hawk Enterprises floor machines, Ruwac dust collectors, US Saws products, Hertron International chemicals, Smith Paint products, and Airtec AG scarifying equipment.
The business model combines hardware sales of manufactured grinders and third-party brands with recurring revenue from consumable diamond tooling, bush hammer tooling, and proprietary polishing pads that carry published life expectancies of 10,000-20,000+ SF. Lavina-certified technicians provide nationwide repair service backed by a 1-year warranty, and Western Equipment Finance partnership offers financing up to $250,000 with 0% down and 90-day deferred payment. Pricing is quote-based on new equipment, with fixed pricing on used items (e.g., $8,000-$8,200 examples), and the company generates additional exposure through an active YouTube channel, Facebook and LinkedIn brand pages, and content marketing via how-to guides, case studies, and a downloadable 2026 product catalog. A single $25M Merrill Lynch funding round dated 2002-06-24 is the only disclosed capital event; no other institutional investors, M&A activity, or public offering is recorded.
Substrate Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Substrate Technology
- Legal name
- Substrate Technology, Inc.
- Website
- https://substratetechnology.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Substrate Technology is a privately held, family-run manufacturer and multi-brand distributor of concrete surface preparation equipment founded in 1995 in Morris, Illinois. It sells its proprietary Prep/Master gear-to-gear grinders, patented diamond tooling and chemicals to commercial flooring contractors, terrazzo restorers, and decorative concrete installers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Substrate Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Concrete Surface Preparation Equipment
- NAICS
- Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing (332216)
- SIC
- Construction Machinery & Equip (3531)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Surface Preparation Equipment (Shot Blasting, Scarifiers, Grinders) (IMAHALAL)
Keywords
Where Substrate Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Morris
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Substrate Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Equipment Sales: Sale of manufactured Prep/Master grinders and branded STI equipment including dust collectors, accessories, and machine parts. Primary revenue stream from walk-behind grinders, shot blasters, scarifiers, and related surface prep machinery.
- Diamond Tooling & Consumables: Sale of diamond tooling segments, polishing pads, bush hammer tooling, and consumable products. Recurring revenue from wear items needed for grinding and polishing operations.
- Chemical Products: Sale of surface preparation chemicals including densifiers, sealers, cleaners, polishing compounds, and decorative concrete stains from Hertron International and Smith Paints brands.
- Third-Party Brand Equipment: Resale of equipment from carried brands including Lavina planetary grinders, IMPACTS shot blasters, Hawk Enterprises floor machines, Ruwac dust collectors, US Saws products, Airtec scarifiers.
- Service & Repair: Lavina-certified repair services with 1-year warranty. Service operations cover nationwide equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Equipment Financing: Partnership with Western Equipment Finance provides financing options to customers. While Substrate Technology doesn't earn direct revenue from financing, the partnership enables larger equipment purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Equipment Purchase - Quote Based |
| Subscription | Monthly | Equipment Financing - Western Equipment Finance |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Used Equipment - Fixed Pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Substrate Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Substrate Technology manufactures and distributes concrete surface preparation equipment, most notably its proprietary Prep/Master line of gear-to-gear drive concrete grinders. The company also sells patented diamond polishing pads and tooling systems, complementary surface preparation machines (shot blasters, scarifiers, dust collectors, saws), surface prep chemicals, and used equipment, supported by Lavina-certified nationwide service and repair.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Prep/Master®: The company's own line of commercial floor grinders, engineered and supported in-house. Features gear-to-gear drive system with cast aluminum gearboxes and no belts or pulleys.
- STI Diamond Tooling
- FL-07 Diamond Pads
- STI Terrazzo Pads
- TPS Diamond System
- EGT Diamond System
- CLC Diamond System
- PLP Diamond System
Products and services
- Prep/Master Concrete Floor Grinding Machines Walk-behind gear-to-gear concrete grinders with cast aluminum gearboxes and no belts or pulleys, available in working widths from 23" to 44" for projects ranging from 1,000 SF to 20,000+ SF. Sold to commercial flooring contractors and surface prep professionals.
- IMPACTS Shot Blasters Shot blasting equipment manufactured by IMPACTS GmbH in Germany, distributed in North America through Substrate Technology's sister company IMPACTS Americas. Models range from 5" to 23" with production rates from 430 SF/hr to 4,300 SF/hr.
- STI Diamond Tooling and Polishing Systems Proprietary color-coded diamond polishing systems (CLC, EGT, TPS, PLP) providing coordinated metal and resin bonded diamond progressions from grind to polish for concrete and terrazzo surfaces. Sold to flooring contractors and terrazzo professionals.
- FL-07 Patented Diamond Polishing Pads Patented concrete polishing pads exclusive to Substrate Technology, available in standard and ring-type versions for hand grinders. The company's #1 selling product, compatible with Prep/Master, planetary machines, Terrco, EDCO, swing machines, and Werkmaster.
- Patented STI Terrazzo Pads Patented terrazzo polishing pads exclusive to Substrate Technology, including Terrazzo+, Terrazzo REDZ, and STI Terrazzo polishing pads. STI Terrazzo Plus delivers 15,000 SF life expectancy and contains 70% more diamond and abrasives than standard pads.
- Industrial Dust Collectors and Vacuums Industrial dust collectors and vacuums (STI-branded and Ruwac) designed for heavy-duty concrete and silica dust extraction during surface preparation operations.
- Surface Preparation Chemicals Surface preparation chemicals sold under Hertron International and Smith Paints brands, including densifiers, sealers, cleaners, polishing compounds, decorative concrete stains, and slurry solidifier for polished concrete, terrazzo, marble, and natural stone applications.
- Lavina-Certified Equipment Service and Repair Nationwide Lavina-certified equipment maintenance and repair service with 1-year warranty on repairs, provided to commercial flooring contractors and surface prep professionals.
- Used Concrete Surface Prep Equipment Pre-owned concrete surface preparation equipment including dust collectors, planetary floor grinders, and other used machinery, with fixed pricing on selected items (e.g., Used IMPACTS DC2725 Dust Collector at $8,200).
- Airtec AG Scarifiers and Surface Prep Equipment Scarifying and surface preparation equipment manufactured by Airtec AG (Switzerland), including electric, gas-powered, and air-operated scarifying machines, sold through Substrate Technology as authorized U.S. dealer.
- Lavina Planetary Floor Grinders Lavina planetary floor grinders and OEM tooling from Superabrasive, sold and serviced by Substrate Technology as authorized dealer with Lavina-certified technicians.
Quantifiable outcome
- FL-07 diamond pads deliver 10,000 SF life expectancy
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Substrate Technology
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Substrate Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Substrate Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- IMPACTS AmericascoreExclusive North American distributor for IMPACTS shot blasters manufactured by sister company IMPACTS GmbH in Germany. IMPACTS Americas provides German-engineered shot blasting equipment with direct factory connection. Shot blaster models range from 5" to 23" with production rates from 430 SF/hr to 4,300 SF/hr.
- IMPACTS GmbHcoreGerman manufacturer of IMPACTS shot blasters and related equipment. Sister company relationship provides Substrate Technology with direct factory access, German engineering quality, and consistent product supply.
- Lavina (Superabrasive)coreAuthorized dealer for Lavina planetary floor grinders and genuine OEM tooling. Substrate Technology technicians are Lavina-certified to service and repair Lavina equipment. Offers nationwide Lavina service with 1-year repair warranty.
- Hawk EnterprisesmajorAuthorized dealer for Hawk Enterprises floor machines including orbital floor machines, rotary floor machines, wet/dry vacuums, and accessories. Hawk is an industry leader in orbital floor machine technology, manufacturing in Elkhart, Indiana since 1995.
- Inland Diamond ToolingmajorAuthorized dealer for Inland Diamond precision diamond tooling products including cove wheels, profile wheels, and cutting/grinding tools for terrazzo, stone, and concrete.
- Hertron InternationalmajorAuthorized dealer for Hertron International concrete and stone care chemicals including densifiers, polishing compounds, cleaners, and sealers for polished concrete, terrazzo, marble, and natural stone.
- US SawsmajorAuthorized dealer for US Saws products including concrete saws, hand grinders, crack chasing saws, joint clean-out saws, and dust control equipment. Full product line available through Substrate Technology.
- RuwacmajorAuthorized dealer for Ruwac industrial vacuums and dust collectors designed for heavy-duty concrete and silica dust extraction. Industrial-grade filtration systems for demanding surface prep applications.
- Smith Paint ProductsmajorAuthorized dealer for complete Smith Paint Products line including decorative concrete stains, industrial coatings, sealers, and surface preparation chemicals. Products manufactured in USA since 1929.
- Airtec AGmajorAuthorized dealer for Airtec AG scarifying and surface prep equipment. Swiss manufacturer exporting to over 40 countries worldwide, specializing in electric, gas-powered, and air-operated scarifying machines.
- American Rental Association (ARA)minorIndustry membership organization for equipment rental companies. Affiliation supports connection with contractor customers who rent equipment.
- National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA)minorIndustry trade association for terrazzo and mosaic contractors. Affiliation supports connection with terrazzo professionals who use STI tooling products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Substrate Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Substrate Technology social profiles
Digital presenceSubstrate Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Substrate Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Substrate Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Substrate Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Substrate Technology
What does Substrate Technology do?
Substrate Technology manufactures and distributes concrete surface preparation equipment, most notably its proprietary Prep/Master line of gear-to-gear drive concrete grinders. The company also sells patented diamond polishing pads and tooling systems, complementary surface preparation machines (shot blasters, scarifiers, dust collectors, saws), surface prep chemicals, and used equipment, supported by Lavina-certified nationwide service and repair.
Is Substrate Technology a public or private company?
Substrate Technology is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Substrate Technology founded?
Substrate Technology was founded in 1995. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Substrate Technology based?
Substrate Technology is headquartered in Morris, United States, in the North America region.
How does Substrate Technology make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are diamond Tooling & Consumables, chemical Products, third-Party Brand Equipment, service & Repair and equipment Financing.
Does Substrate Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for Substrate Technology.
What industry is Substrate Technology in?
Substrate Technology's product category is Concrete Surface Preparation Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHALAL, Surface Preparation Equipment (Shot Blasting, Scarifiers, Grinders). Its NAICS code is 332216 and its SIC code is 3531.