Built on Hard Work & Honest Service
From one warehouse bay in 2008 to Connecticut's most trusted pallet company — here's how we got here.
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One Forklift, One Truck, One Promise
Every company has a founding story. Ours starts with a forklift, a handshake, and a conviction that people deserved a pallet supplier who actually showed up on time, priced fairly, and stood behind their product.
In the spring of 2008, David Crane left his operations manager position at a regional warehouse in Stamford and signed a lease on a 4,000-square-foot warehouse bay on Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. He had $22,000 in savings, a used Toyota forklift with 6,000 hours on the clock, and a Ford F-350 pickup he\'d been driving since college. The pallet industry, he believed, was full of companies that overpromised, underdelivered, and treated customers like transaction numbers.
David\'s pitch was simple: call me, tell me what you need, and I\'ll give you an honest price and a real delivery date. If I can\'t get it done, I\'ll tell you that too. No games. That radical transparency — in an industry where it was uncommon — turned out to be the company\'s greatest competitive advantage.
The first order came from a beverage distributor in Norwalk who needed 200 Grade A GMA pallets by Friday. David sourced them by Tuesday, inspected each one personally, and delivered them Thursday afternoon. The distributor is still a customer today — sixteen years and counting.
That first week\'s revenue was $340. By the end of the first year, Norwalk Pallets had served 38 unique customers and earned $180,000 in revenue. Not life-changing money — but enough to prove the model worked. People wanted a pallet supplier they could trust. David built one.
The Numbers from Day One
$22K
Starting capital
4,000 sq ft
First warehouse
$340
First week revenue
38
First-year customers
From Local Hustle to Regional Leader
Norwalk Pallets didn\'t grow because of a marketing campaign or outside investment. It grew because customers told other customers. Every on-time delivery, every honestly graded pallet, every phone call returned within the hour — those moments compounded into a reputation that no advertising budget could buy.
The first four years were about survival and proving the concept. David handled sales, drove deliveries, operated the forklift, and balanced the books at night. By 2012, the company had eight employees, an 18,000-square-foot warehouse, and its first regional supply agreement. The beverage distributors led to grocery chains. The grocery chains led to manufacturers. The manufacturers led to pharmaceutical companies. Each new industry brought new requirements — and Norwalk Pallets adapted.
The 2016 move to the current 40,000-square-foot facility at 319 Wilson Avenue was the inflection point. For the first time, the company had dedicated zones for repair, recycling, new-pallet storage, and heat treatment. Operational efficiency jumped. Capacity doubled. And the sustainability mission — which had been growing in David\'s mind for years — finally had the space to become real.
The pandemic in 2020 tested everything. When global lumber prices tripled and new pallets became scarce, customers who had never considered used pallets suddenly needed them. Norwalk Pallets\' used and repaired inventory became a lifeline for dozens of Connecticut businesses. The team grew from 22 to 34 in a single year. New product lines — plastic pallets, export-grade heat-treated pallets — were added under pressure and succeeded beyond expectations.
Today, the company processes over 180,000 pallets annually, operates a fleet of eight trucks, maintains satellite collection points in three cities, and employs 47 people. Revenue has grown every year since founding — including during the 2008 recession, the 2020 pandemic, and the 2021-2022 supply chain crisis. Steady growth built on genuine value is more resilient than rapid growth built on hype.
16 Years of Impact
Numbers don\'t tell the whole story — but they tell an important part of it. Here\'s where we stand after sixteen years of operations.
180K+
Pallets Processed Annually
2.4M+
Total Pallets Since 2008
47
Team Members
96%
On-Time Delivery Rate
97%
Landfill Diversion Rate
$4.2M
Client Savings in 2024
8
Delivery Trucks
40K
Sq Ft Facility
Every Milestone, Every Year That Mattered
From a 4,000 sq ft warehouse bay to a 40,000 sq ft facility serving all of Connecticut — here are the milestones that shaped Norwalk Pallets.
Norwalk Pallets was founded by David Crane out of a single rented warehouse bay on Connecticut Avenue. Armed with a used forklift, a pickup truck, and a genuine belief that the pallet industry needed more transparency and reliability, David started buying and reselling used pallets locally. The first week's revenue was $340. The first client was a local beverage distributor who needed 200 Grade A GMA pallets by Friday — and David delivered them on Thursday.
Revenue crossed $180,000 as word spread among Norwalk-area warehouses that David quoted honestly and delivered on time. A second forklift was purchased — used, of course — and a part-time helper was brought on to handle sorting. The company filed its first formal sales contracts and began tracking pallet grades systematically. By December, Norwalk Pallets had served 38 unique customers.
The team grew to four full-time employees. Norwalk Pallets signed its first regular pickup contract with a Stamford-based food distributor, committing to weekly pallet collection and resupply. A basic website was launched — three pages, one phone number, and a promise to call back within the hour. That promise still holds today.
By 2012 the team had grown to 8 people and the warehouse expanded to 18,000 sq ft. Norwalk Pallets signed its first regional supply agreement with a major grocery distribution center, committing to 5,000 pallets per month. That year the company also introduced its first pallet repair service, recognizing that many clients had pallets worth saving rather than discarding. A basic sorting and grading system was formalized, and the first QA checklist was written on a whiteboard — it's still framed in the office lobby today.
Maria Reyes joined the company as Head of Operations and built the grading and QA systems that would define Norwalk's reputation for consistency. A dedicated four-person repair crew was established, and the company began marketing repair services alongside buy/sell operations. Revenue from repair alone exceeded $220,000 in its first year — proving that saving pallets was profitable, not just principled.
Norwalk Pallets purchased its first flatbed delivery truck, ending dependence on third-party haulers for large orders. A second truck followed six months later. The ability to control pickup and delivery scheduling immediately improved on-time rates from 84% to 93%. The customer base expanded past Fairfield County into New Haven and Hartford regions for the first time.
2016 marked a pivotal shift. After reading reports on landfill waste from broken pallets across the Northeast, David committed the company to a zero-landfill processing goal. The recycling division was launched, biomass partnerships were formed with local energy co-ops, and Norwalk Pallets became one of the first pallet companies in Connecticut to achieve IPPC ISPM-15 heat treatment certification. That same year the company moved into a purpose-built 40,000 sq ft facility at 319 Wilson Ave with dedicated repair, recycling, and new-pallet storage bays.
Responding to customer demand for non-standard sizes, Norwalk Pallets launched its custom pallet manufacturing line. A new-lumber receiving dock was added to the facility, and two nail-gun stations were installed. The first custom order was a run of 500 half-sized pallets for a candle manufacturer in Bridgeport who couldn't source them anywhere else in the region. Custom work now represents 18% of annual revenue.
The company celebrated its tenth anniversary with 22 employees, a fleet of five trucks, and over 100,000 pallets processed annually. The Connecticut Small Business Association recognized Norwalk Pallets with its Regional Sustainability Award. David hosted an open house at the facility and invited every client who had ever placed an order — 140 people attended.
After three years of building biomass and compost partnerships, Norwalk Pallets achieved its zero-landfill goal. Not a single full truckload of pallet waste was sent to a landfill that year. The company formalized its partnership with the EPA WasteWise program and published its first annual sustainability report. Thomas Jacobs was hired as Sustainability Director to lead the effort going forward.
When the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, demand for pallets surged unpredictably. Norwalk Pallets responded by expanding its used pallet buyback program, keeping supply lines flowing when new lumber was scarce. The team grew to 34 employees. Plastic pallet inventory was introduced to serve pharmaceutical and food clients with sanitation requirements. Remote quoting and contactless pickup services were launched within 72 hours of state mandates — a testament to the team's agility.
With lumber prices at historic highs, Norwalk Pallets' used and repaired pallet programs saved clients an estimated $2.1 million compared to new-pallet pricing. The company formalized tiered pricing for volume customers and launched a monthly pallet management subscription service for warehouses needing regular supply and removal. Satellite collection points were established in Bridgeport and Stamford.
A new inventory management system was deployed, replacing spreadsheets with barcode-scanned tracking for every pallet grade and lot. Fleet grew to eight trucks. Route optimization software reduced fuel consumption by 18%. Sandra Kowalski was promoted to Repair & Production Manager and introduced time-study systems that cut average repair time by 28% while improving quality.
Full-scale new pallet manufacturing launched, using SFI-certified lumber from responsibly managed forests. This allowed Norwalk Pallets to become a one-stop shop: buy new, buy used, sell surplus, repair damaged, recycle end-of-life. A third satellite collection point opened in New Haven. The team reached 42 employees.
Today Norwalk Pallets processes over 180,000 pallets annually from its Norwalk, CT headquarters, with satellite collection points in Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven. The team of 47 professionals serves clients across retail, manufacturing, pharma, food service, and logistics. The online quoting portal launched in early 2024 — making it easier than ever to buy, sell, or schedule pickup. The mission hasn't changed: honest service, sustainable practices, and pallets you can count on.
“I never wanted to build the biggest pallet company. I wanted to build the most reliable one. The kind of company where when you call, a real person answers. Where the price you\'re quoted is the price you pay. Where the pallets that show up on your dock are exactly what you ordered. That\'s not revolutionary — it\'s just honest.”
— David Crane, Founder & CEO, Norwalk Pallets
Founded 2008 · 319 Wilson Ave, Norwalk, CT
Six Core Values
These aren\'t aspirational statements. They\'re operational principles we use to make real decisions every day — from how we price an order to how we hire a forklift operator.
Integrity First
We quote honestly, deliver accurately, and own our mistakes. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch grading, no inflated lead times. Our pricing is transparent and our handshake is binding. When something goes wrong — and in logistics, things go wrong — we pick up the phone immediately, explain what happened, and fix it. That's not exceptional customer service. That's basic honesty.
Sustainability Always
Every decision we make considers environmental impact. We track our landfill diversion rates monthly, publish them annually, and set public improvement targets. We chose to invest in biomass partnerships, composting relationships, and repair infrastructure because it was right — and because we believe companies that treat the planet well will outperform those that don't, over any time horizon that matters.
Operational Excellence
Pallets are unglamorous. Great logistics isn't. We invest in processes, training, and technology so your supply chain never waits on us. Our on-time delivery rate is 96%. Our grading accuracy exceeds 99%. We deploy barcode-tracked inventory, route-optimized delivery, and a QA system that catches defects before they reach your dock. The boring details are where reliability lives.
People Over Everything
We pay above market, we invest in safety, and we treat every person on the team — from forklift operators to the front office — with the respect they've earned. Turnover in the pallet industry averages over 40% annually. Ours is under 12%. That's not an accident. Good people stay where they're treated well, and experienced teams deliver better results.
Community Roots
We are a Norwalk, Connecticut company. We hire locally, source locally when possible, and invest in the communities that support us. Our team members coach Little League in Norwalk, volunteer at food banks in Bridgeport, and sponsor the annual South Norwalk cleanup. When a local business needs pallets and can't afford market rate, we figure it out. That's what neighbors do.
Continuous Improvement
We are never done getting better. Every quarter we review our processes, our metrics, and our customer feedback — and we change what isn't working. Our repair floor runs time studies. Our drivers track delivery windows. Our sales team surveys every new client at 30 and 90 days. The day we stop improving is the day a competitor earns the right to take our customers. We don't plan on giving them that day.
The 319 Wilson Ave Facility
Our 40,000-square-foot headquarters at 319 Wilson Avenue in Norwalk, CT is purpose-built for pallet operations. When we moved here in 2016, we designed the layout from scratch — optimizing material flow from intake to outbound shipping.
The facility is organized into five operational zones: Intake & Sorting, where every incoming pallet is inspected and classified; Repair Bay, a 6,000 sq ft area with 8 repair stations running two shifts; Recycling & Processing, where end-of-life pallets are broken down and sorted for biomass or compost; New Pallet Manufacturing, equipped with pneumatic nail guns, a cut-off saw, and lumber staging; and Outbound Staging, where orders are assembled, quality-checked, and loaded for delivery.
The yard has capacity for approximately 25,000 pallets in outdoor storage, plus an additional 8,000 inside the warehouse. A dedicated heat-treatment kiln handles ISPM-15 certification for export pallets. The truck bay accommodates simultaneous loading of four vehicles, and the facility includes a driver break room, locker rooms, and an administrative office.
In 2025, we plan to install rooftop solar panels targeting 35% of the facility\'s electrical demand. We also recently upgraded to LED lighting throughout the warehouse — reducing energy consumption by 42% compared to the original fluorescent fixtures.
Facility Specs
40,000 sq ft
Total facility
25,000
Outdoor pallet capacity
8
Repair stations
4
Simultaneous truck bays
1
ISPM-15 heat kiln
5
Operational zones
Awards & Recognition
We don\'t chase awards — but we\'re proud when the work speaks for itself. These recognitions reflect the team\'s collective commitment to doing things the right way.
Regional Sustainability Award
Connecticut Small Business Association
Recognized for pioneering zero-landfill pallet processing in the state and setting a model for sustainable industrial operations in Fairfield County.
EPA WasteWise Partner Recognition
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Acknowledged for exceeding waste reduction targets in our first year as a WasteWise partner, diverting over 1,800 tons of wood from landfills.
Essential Business Excellence Award
Norwalk Chamber of Commerce
Honored for maintaining uninterrupted supply chain services during the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting employee safety and launching contactless operations within 72 hours.
Green Business of the Year
Fairfield County Business Journal
Selected from over 200 nominees for demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business growth are not mutually exclusive. Cited for saving clients $2.1M through used and repaired pallet programs during the lumber shortage.
Top 50 Small Businesses in Connecticut
Hartford Business Journal
Ranked among the state's top small businesses based on revenue growth, employee retention, and community impact. One of only three industrial companies on the list.
Rooted in Norwalk, Committed to Connecticut
We live and work in the communities we serve. That comes with a responsibility to give back — not as a PR exercise, but because it\'s the right thing to do.
Norwalk Public Schools Partnership
Since 2019, we've hosted annual field trips for Norwalk middle school students to tour our facility, learn about recycling and logistics, and see skilled trades in action. Over 400 students have visited. We also sponsor the annual STEM fair at Norwalk High School.
South Norwalk Annual Cleanup
Every spring our team volunteers a full Saturday for the South Norwalk neighborhood cleanup. We provide trucks, dumpsters, and manpower. In 2024, our crew helped remove 12 tons of waste and debris from local streets, parks, and waterways.
Connecticut Food Bank Pallet Donation
We donate an average of 2,000 pallets annually to the Connecticut Food Bank and regional food pantries who need them for warehouse storage but can't afford to buy them. Pallets keep food off the ground, organized, and safe.
Habitat for Humanity Lumber Program
Salvageable lumber from deconstructed pallets that doesn't meet our repair standards is donated to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. In 2024, we donated approximately 8,000 board feet of usable lumber for home-building projects.
Youth Employment Initiative
We partner with Norwalk's summer youth employment program to offer paid internships to high school juniors and seniors interested in logistics, operations, or skilled trades. Since 2020, 14 interns have participated — and three were hired full-time after graduation.
Community Impact (2008-2024)
Pallets donated annually to food banks
Students hosted for facility tours
Board feet of lumber donated to Habitat for Humanity in 2024
Youth interns employed since 2020
Waste removed in 2024 South Norwalk cleanup
Inside Norwalk Pallets
Pallet sorting and grading operations
Warehouse inventory and staging area
Repair bay with team at work
319 Wilson Ave facility exterior
Delivery truck loading at the dock
Finished pallets ready for dispatch
What Comes Next
Sixteen years in, we\'re more energized than ever. The pallet industry is evolving — and so are we. Here\'s what we\'re building toward.
Solar-powered facility: In 2025, we\'re installing rooftop solar panels with a target of covering 35% of our electricity demand. It\'s the next step in reducing our operational carbon footprint.
Fleet electrification: By 2026, we plan to convert our short-haul delivery routes (under 150 miles) to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Long-haul routes will follow as the technology matures.
Pallet leasing program: We\'re developing a pallet-as-a-service leasing model that reduces single-use pallet demand and creates a circular supply chain for our largest customers.
Full carbon accounting: By 2027, we intend to publish a complete Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon inventory — covering everything from our facility operations to our supply chain and customer deliveries.
Technology investment: We\'re expanding our online quoting portal with real-time inventory visibility, automated reorder notifications, and customer dashboards showing sustainability metrics for every order.
Regional expansion: While Norwalk will always be home, we\'re evaluating satellite facilities in central Connecticut and western Massachusetts to reduce delivery distances and serve a wider customer base without sacrificing service quality.
The goal has never changed: be the most reliable, most sustainable, most honest pallet company in Connecticut. We just keep raising the bar on what that means.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Whether you need pallets, want to sell surplus, or are looking for a long-term supply partner — we\'d love to talk.