Boltek
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersPort Colborne, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Boltek does
Boltek Corporation is a privately held Canadian manufacturer of lightning detection and alerting systems, founded in 1995 and operating from a single facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. The company designs and builds hardware that detects lightning via two core technologies: short-range electric field monitoring using the EFM-100 Electric Field Mill (0–24 miles, sub-mile accuracy) and long-range RF detection using the LD-250 and LD-350 directional antenna systems (up to 300 miles / 480 km). Its flagship ERL-10 dual-sensor kit combines both technologies in coincidence mode to virtually eliminate false alerts, and the LRX-1 network detector enables distributed multi-sensor triangulation across wide areas. Boltek's products are IEC 62793 compliant.
The company sells a complete turnkey safety ecosystem around its sensors, including programmable relay modules (ERL-10, RLO-10, FR-4), visual alerting devices (BOLT LED signs, SL outdoor stacklights), audio alerts (HSS/HSL horn speakers), and partner-developed display software (NexStorm, StormVue V3 by Astrogenic Systems). Pricing is exclusively one-time hardware purchase with no monthly or annual subscription fees. The business operates a hybrid go-to-market: direct consultative sales via phone and email for custom enterprise quotes, alongside a global distributor network spanning 25+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. Public e-commerce checkout is also available for direct SMB and individual buyers.
Boltek targets seven vertical segments — airports, construction, golf courses and recreation, industrial facilities, manufacturing, mining, and research — with named customers spanning Bombardier Business Aircraft, OMC Copper Mines, Benet Academy, Tinton Falls, and CECBR Camps. The company has no disclosed external funding, no parent company, no M&A activity, and no public revenue figures; it operates as a focused, profitable-looking niche specialist with a 25+ year track record.
Boltek firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Boltek
- Legal name
- Boltek Corporation
- Website
- https://boltek.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Boltek industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Lightning Detection Systems
- NAICS
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Grounding, Bonding & Lightning Protection (grounding bars, clamps, earthing systems, lightning arrestors) (IMAGAEAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC)
Keywords
Where Boltek is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Port Colborne
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Boltek business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Boltek generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of lightning detection systems, sensors, and accessories. Products include complete detection packages (ERL-10 KIT-1, ERL-10 KIT-2), standalone detectors (LD-250, LD-350), and component accessories. No monthly or annual subscription costs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | BOLT-200/260 Outdoor LED Lightning Bolt Sign |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | BOLT-180 Indoor LED Lightning Bolt Sign |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SL-180-3 RYG Outdoor LED Stacklight |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SL-70 Indoor Stacklight Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HSS-200 Small Horn Speaker |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HSL-200 Large Horn Speaker |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LD-250 Long Range Detection System |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LD-350 Long Range Detection System |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ERL-10 KIT-2 Dual Sensor Lightning Detection Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ERL-10 KIT-1 Lightning Detection Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | EFM-100 Inverted Electric Field Mill Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | MP3-15W Audio Alert Module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | NexStorm Display Software |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | RLO-10 Relay Output Module |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | QT-1 Quick Tester |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | FR-4 Fused Relay Module |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Status Monitor Industrial PC |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Boltek product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Boltek designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary hardware for detecting and alerting on lightning activity at outdoor facilities. Its core offering centers on short-range electric field monitoring (EFM-100), long-range low-frequency RF detection (LD-250, LD-350), and distributed network sensing (LRX-1), bundled with relay-based alerting modules (ERL-10 KIT-1, ERL-10 KIT-2) and visual/audio indicators (BOLT signs, stacklights, horn speakers) for automated facility protection. The company sells these systems to airports, construction sites, mines, manufacturing facilities, golf courses, and other outdoor venues through direct sales and a global distributor network, with no recurring subscription fees.
Product overview
Boltek offers a comprehensive portfolio of lightning detection and alerting products organized around two detection technologies: short-range electric field monitoring (EFM-100) and long-range RF detection (LD-250, LD-350, LRX-1). The core product line includes standalone detectors (LD-250, LD-350) for long-range storm tracking up to 300 miles, the EFM-100 for high-accuracy short-range detection within 24 miles, and the LRX-1 network receiver for multi-sensor triangulation. ERL-10 relay modules process sensor data to trigger automated alerts. Complete detection packages (ERL-10 KIT-1 and KIT-2) bundle sensors, relay modules, enclosures, and software for turnkey installation. Visual and audio alerting is handled through outdoor LED signs (BOLT series), stacklights (SL series), and horn speakers (HSS, HSL series). Display software includes NexStorm and StormVue V3 by Astrogenic for real-time mapping and analysis. Accessories include antenna mounts, GPS/compass modules for mobile detection, and communication adapters (USB, RS232, RS485, Ethernet). No subscription fees are required—all systems operate with one-time hardware purchases.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NexStorm: Professional lightning display and analysis software by Astrogenic Systems, offered by Boltek for use with LD-250 and LD-350 detectors
- StormVue V3
Products and services
- EFM-100 Electric Field Monitor Short-range lightning detector that measures atmospheric electric field to detect nearby thunderstorms and conditions that precede lightning strikes, operating within 24 miles (38 km) with sub-mile accuracy, intended for facility protection at airports, construction sites, mines, and outdoor venues.
- LD-250 Long Range Detection System Long-range lightning/storm tracking system using a directional antenna and signal strength analysis to detect strikes from 6 to 300 miles (480 km), designed for outdoor facility operators needing advance storm warnings.
- LD-350 Long Range Detection System Long-range storm tracking system with built-in strike-type analysis that differentiates between cloud-cloud and cloud-ground strikes, operating from 16 to 300 miles (480 km), for facilities needing classified lightning data.
- LRX-1 Lightning Network Detector High-precision network receiver for distributed lightning detection networks, collecting data from multiple sensors and relaying it to up to three independent servers for wide-area strike location triangulation with GPS-based timing.
- ERL-10 KIT-1 Lightning Detection Package Complete short-range lightning detection package that bundles the EFM-100 electric field mill with the ERL-10S relay module, pre-wired IP67 enclosure, and Status Monitor software for turnkey automated alerting at facilities.
- ERL-10 KIT-2 Dual Sensor Lightning Detection Package Premium dual-sensor package combining the EFM-100 short-range sensor with the LD-250 long-range detector, using coincidence mode to virtually eliminate false alerts, with a pre-wired IP67 enclosure and expandable alerting.
- LD-250 Mobile Detection System Mobile variant of the LD-250 with GPS heading correction and optional compass, enabling accurate long-range lightning detection while in motion in vehicles or boats.
- BOLT-200/260 Outdoor LED Lightning Bolt Sign Outdoor LED warning sign that displays Green (All Clear), Yellow (Caution), and Red (Warn) status from Boltek detection systems, with automatic brightness adjustment for sunlight visibility at venues.
- SL-180 Outdoor LED Stacklight Outdoor LED stacklight providing three alert levels (Yellow, Orange, Red) plus a Green All Clear indicator, with high-visibility LEDs designed for long-distance and direct-sunlight viewing.
- HSL-200 Large Horn Speaker 200W outdoor horn speaker built for long-distance audio alerting from Boltek detection systems, designed and tested for outdoor environments needing maximum reach.
- NexStorm Display Software Professional lightning display and analysis software by Astrogenic, sold by Boltek for use with LD-250 and LD-350 detectors, providing real-time strike mapping, storm cell tracking, customizable alerting zones, and data logging.
- StormVue V3 Display Software Lightning display software by Astrogenic for LD-250 and LD-350 detectors, offering real-time strike display, customizable map views, and storm tracking.
- RLO-10 Relay Output Module Standalone relay module that provides three solid-state relay outputs for interfacing LD-250/LD-350 lightning alarms with external devices such as PLCs or auxiliary indicators.
- FR-4 Fused Relay Module Safety relay module that controls 24V lights and loads from 12V or 24V ERL-10 control signals, with individually fused outputs and color-coded indicators.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sub-mile range accuracy within milliseconds of strike occurrence
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Boltek
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Boltek technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Boltek partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered regional.
- Scientific SalesregionalUS distributor covering designated territories for Boltek lightning detection products
- Lightning Hardware Solutions (LHS)regionalUS-based regional distributor for Boltek products
- Cyclone PortregionalUS distributor for Boltek lightning detection equipment
- Table Rock Alerting SystemsregionalUS-based regional distributor for Boltek products
- Firstec IndustrialregionalUS industrial distributor for Boltek equipment
- H2 Solutions IncregionalCanadian distributor covering designated territories for Boltek products
- Skyview SystemsregionalUK distributor for Boltek lightning detection equipment
- WeatherShop UKregionalUK-based distributor for Boltek products
- Dhruva TechnologiesregionalIndian distributor for Boltek lightning detection equipment
- FronttechregionalChinese distributor for Boltek products
- SafetyTech ChinaregionalChina-based safety technology distributor for Boltek equipment
- Mistral JapanregionalJapanese distributor for Boltek lightning detection products
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights4 records
Boltek competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- AccuWeather (Enterprise Solutions): AccuWeather provides subscription-based weather and lightning alerting services for enterprise and government customers, including SkyGuard for severe weather. Competes with Boltek in alerting airports, municipalities, and industrial sites, but offers data services rather than detection hardware.
- Campbell Scientific: Campbell Scientific manufactures environmental measurement data loggers and weather instrumentation used in research, mining, and industrial monitoring. Addresses the same research and industrial use cases as Boltek's EFM-100/LD-350 systems, although Campbell's portfolio is broader and includes integration with third-party lightning sensors rather than proprietary detection.
Regional players
- Aldena Lightning Detection Systems: Aldena (Brazil) manufactures lightning detection sensors and networks for South American utility and industrial customers. Comparable product family to Boltek's dual-sensor kits but primarily serving Brazil/South America; directly relevant to Boltek's territory since Boltek has a Brazilian distributor.
Direct peers
- Vaisala: Vaisala is the global leader in lightning detection, operating the GLD360 worldwide network and selling industrial-grade lightning data and sensors. Directly comparable to Boltek's long-range LD-250/LD-350 detection systems and the LRX-1 network receiver, especially for airport, energy, and industrial customers.
- Earth Networks: Earth Networks operates the Sferic Maps global lightning detection network and sells subscription-based lightning alerting services to enterprise customers. Competes head-to-head with Boltek on long-range storm tracking, with a contrasting subscription/SaaS model versus Boltek's one-time hardware purchase.
- TOA Systems: TOA Systems (a subsidiary of Vaisala-like successors) manufactures commercial lightning detection and warning systems used at golf courses, parks, and pools - directly overlapping with Boltek's outdoor recreation and venue use cases such as CECBR Camps and golf course customers.
- Thor Guard: Thor Guard manufactures lightning prediction and warning systems (e.g., Thor Guard AT-i) deployed at golf courses, sports venues, and schools. Directly comparable to Boltek's outdoor alerting products (BOLT signs, SL stacklights, HSL horn speakers) for the same recreational and education verticals.
- Biral: Biral manufactures atmospheric and lightning detection instruments (e.g., BTD-300 lightning warning system) used at airports, industrial sites, and meteorological stations. Overlaps with Boltek's EFM-100 short-range detection category and is one of Boltek's listed UK distributors' competitors.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Boltek financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Boltek leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Boltek funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Boltek 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 Boltek
What does Boltek do?
Boltek designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary hardware for detecting and alerting on lightning activity at outdoor facilities. Its core offering centers on short-range electric field monitoring (EFM-100), long-range low-frequency RF detection (LD-250, LD-350), and distributed network sensing (LRX-1), bundled with relay-based alerting modules (ERL-10 KIT-1, ERL-10 KIT-2) and visual/audio indicators (BOLT signs, stacklights, horn speakers) for automated facility protection. The company sells these systems to airports, construction sites, mines, manufacturing facilities, golf courses, and other outdoor venues through direct sales and a global distributor network, with no recurring subscription fees.
Is Boltek a public or private company?
Boltek is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Boltek founded?
Boltek was founded in 1995. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Boltek based?
Boltek is headquartered in Port Colborne, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Boltek make money?
One revenue line is on record: hardware Sales.
Who are Boltek's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are AccuWeather (Enterprise Solutions) and Campbell Scientific. Aldena Lightning Detection Systems is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Vaisala, Earth Networks, TOA Systems, Thor Guard and Biral.
Does Boltek have an API?
No public API is recorded for Boltek.
What industry is Boltek in?
Boltek's product category is Lightning Detection Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAEAJ, Grounding, Bonding & Lightning Protection (grounding bars, clamps, earthing systems, lightning arrestors), with a secondary code of IMAIAJAC, Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service). Its NAICS code is 334519 and its SIC code is 3825.