CALco

About CALco

CALco Pallets, founded in 2007 by brothers Matt and Greg Calhoun, is a full-service pallet provider based in Richmond, Illinois. Initially, Matt had experience at another pallet company while Greg was a carpenter; they pooled their resources to start the business. The company has established itself as a vertically integrated manufacturer, selling new and recycled pallets to a diverse customer base across the Midwest. Its operations are comprehensive, including a hardwood sawmill (Sawco) for sourcing materials, manufacturing facilities, a wood waste and mulch business (Grindco) to monetize scrap, and a satellite recycling location.

CALco's business model emphasizes service, recognizing that while the product is a commodity, reliability and flexible delivery are key differentiators. Its services include the manufacturing of new and custom pallets, pallet recycling and repair, and onsite pallet sortation. The company serves customers locally and nationally from three main facilities in Richmond, IL, Chicago, and Bryant, WI. Having started with just the two brothers, the company grew to nearly 300 employees.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in August 2022, when it was acquired by 48forty Solutions, a leading national provider of recycled pallets and pallet management services. This acquisition integrated CALco into a larger national network, expanding its operational footprint and opportunities within the competitive Chicago/Milwaukee market. Prior to this, CALco had been a portfolio company of Strength Capital since 2019.