At a time when military budget cuts are beginning to loom large, one Wixom-based start-up is pitching its technology based on how much it will save the military.
SurClean's is developing a laser-based technology that replaces the harmful chemicals, media blasting, and other abrasives typically used in the removal of paint and other coatings from aircraft, vessels, and bridges undergoing maintenance. The company's system uses a laser beam to disintegrate and remove paint and other coatings like rust from substrate in a cost-effective, safe, energy-efficient and earth-friendly way.
"For the U.S. Air Force, we're saving them $7.5 million on the parts of one plane at one base," says Susan Sprentall, CEO of
SurClean. "The Air Force could save $67 million."
SurClean and its four co-founders recently won the
Brinks Innovation Competition, a recognition that helped bring more credibility to SurClean's fundraising efforts. The 2-year-old company is looking to raise $750,000 in seed capital within the next year.
"We're in start-up mode looking for our first round of funding," Sprentall says.
Source: Susan Sprentall, CEO of SurClean
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.