Industry News

Financial

Woodchuck receives investment for AI-powered construction waste diversion

Woodchuck, an artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered climate technology startup, has received a growth-round investment to accelerate its expansion across the U.S. from Michigan Rise, a venture investment subsidiary of the East Lansing-based Michigan State University (MSU) Research Foundation.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Woodchuck says it has diverted more than 13,000 tons of wood waste from landfills, saved contractors an estimated 30-40 percent on waste hauling costs and delivered clean biomass energy to regional power producers. The company specializes in AI-enabled smart containers, contamination-prevention tools and processing sites that are deployed with companies including Walbridge, Barton Malow, Ford, Amazon and data center builders.

“What impressed us is how quickly Woodchuck is executing on an idea that reframes construction waste,” says Calvin VanderWal, a venture associate at the MSU Research Foundation. “Todd and his team are moving with urgency, and their model is already being shaped by feedback from multiple flagship partners. They’ve paired that momentum with strong co-investors and a deliberate decision to put down roots in Grand Rapids. It’s a compelling combination that positions them to scale a new standard for how waste can be managed and monetized.

“We think Woodchuck represents the future of jobsite operations. It’s rare to find a company that is simultaneously reducing emissions, lowering costs and building critical renewable-energy infrastructure.”

The new investment is expected to aid in Woodchuck’s expansion from the Great Lakes region into national markets, including hubs for electric vehicle battery manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication and data-center construction.

According to Woodchuck, the investment also will serve to accelerate the development of its AI image-recognition and contamination-prevention systems; build additional on-site processing hubs for large multidimensional jobsites; strengthen renewable biomass supply chains for utilities and industrial energy users; and enhance the company’s real-time reporting and analytics capabilities.

“This funding allows us to scale exactly where the market is demanding it most,” Woodchuck CEO Todd Thomas says. “Contractors are under pressure to cut costs, hit diversion targets and report carbon impact with accuracy. Our AI solves those problems right on the jobsite—not in some distant facility. The Michigan Rise venture investment team immediately understood that Woodchuck is not just a waste solution. We’re a competitive advantage for builders.

“We’re entering a moment where every major contractor is rethinking how they handle materials. AI-driven diversion will become standard across the industry, and support from the MSU Research Foundation venture team is helping us get there faster.”

Mergers & Acquisitions

LJP Waste Solutions acquires Amazon Paint

LJP Waste Solutions, an environmental services, zero-landfill and alternative fuel solutions company headquartered in North Mankato, Minnesota, has acquired Amazon Paint. The acquisition aims to expand LJP’s zero-landfill business.

Amazon Paint, based in Fridley, Minnesota, recycles latex paint collected by third parties from government agencies, businesses and consumers. The primary source of the recycled paint is household waste drop-off facilities operated by municipalities and counties and unused paint from PaintCare collection locations.

Amazon Paint manufactures a recycled, environmentally safe latex paint under the brand name “Amazon Select” using several patented processes. Amazon Select is sold in retail outlets and directly to painting contractors throughout the U.S.

“This acquisition reinforces LJP’s commitment to delivering innovative zero-waste solutions throughout the Midwest,” Mike Malatesta, CEO of LJP Waste Solutions, says. “Integrating Amazon Paint into our operations marks an important step in the expansion of our recycling capabilities to our customers and furthers our mission to recycle everything we possibly can.”

Amazon Paint is led by Kari Potter, who will continue to lead the business under LJP’s ownership.

“Kari’s expertise, longstanding customer relationships and knowledge of the industry will ensure a seamless transition and continued excellence in service,” Malatesta says.