Underground Infrastructure - November 2023 - 40

BUSINESS
Vacuworx: 25 Years of
Thought Leadership
LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS
global network of qualified vacuum lifting
equipment dealers - across six continents - and
a customer base extending around the world.
Vacuworx vastly diversified its products and
capabilities to match louder calls for greater
safety, throughput, durability and longevity
across a range of sectors. From the original
RC and MC Series to compact and versatile
SL 2 lifters, PS 1/PHD machines and more,
today, Vacuworx offers the most useful,
reliable, service-and-support backed line-up of
machines for compact, mid-range and specialty
lifting scenarios in the world.
Vacuworx material-handling systems have
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Vacuworx
founder Bill Soloman attributes nearly three
decades of leadership in vacuum lifting
technology to a dedicated team, responsible
growth, continuous improvement and passion
for industry-leading products and services.
When the Tulsa-based company started in
1999, its 8,500-square-foot shop produced
only a few product types, including its flagship
RC Series lifters that handle virtually any type
and diameter of pipe length effectively, with
no need for chains, slings or hooks.
The foundation for Vacuworx was
established as major advancements in
protective coating technologies were being
rolled out - and having tremendous impacts
- on traditional methods used to handle oil
and gas pipes.
Solomon and his wife, Christy, continued
developing their original idea to create a
faster, safer and smarter way to lift and move
heavy, bulky objects. Their goal has always
been " to protect people by keeping them out
of lift zones and removing them from other
places, where they don't need to be. "
Evolution
Over the past 25 years, the company has
evolved, while holding 100-percent to its
original mission and values.
It now has a state-of-the-art, 155,000-squarefoot
U.S. headquarters and manufacturing
facility with more than 60 employees and the
advantage of all in-house precision machining
and custom fabrication. It also developed a
40 NOVEMBER 2023 | UndergroundInfrastructure.com
also proven effective in all unusual types
of industrial situations, tight or confined
workspaces, expansive outdoor environments,
rigorous weather, and diverse field conditions.
This includes applications where safety and
precision are imperative, such as concrete road
barriers, solar panels, burial vaults and electrical
transmission and distribution poles.
Word-of-mouth testimonials, and countless
videos and images, have spread Vacuworx's
story organically.
" We were in the right place at the right time, "
Solomon explained. " It didn't just happen
overnight. One contractor would see the benefit
of our product because another contractor was
using it. 'Where did you get that? We need one
of those.' That's how we got started. "
Connecting the dots
Solomon's company and the industries it serves
have come a long way since 1999 - including
the accelerated rate of pipe handlers' adoption
and utilization of vacuum lifters in the past 10
years, alone. Ultimately, vacuum lifting has left
an indelible mark on pipe-handling.
Now rented and sold in over 25 countries,
Vacuworx systems have become one of the
best-recognized innovations in vacuum lifting
equipment and its increasing versatility.
But it didn't stop there. The company also
focuses on customer service - 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year - and offers quick access
to technical support and parts; a complete
inventory; a full line of sales and rental options;
and strong North American supply chain
business relationships.
By listening to customers, the company
continues to evolve and improve, developing
new material lifting solutions for a growing
number of established markets.
" We've gotten through some extraordinary
things, " he said. " We are going to get on the
phone. We're going to get on a plane. It's part
of our covenant with our customers. You can
get a hold of somebody to help. We're going
to be available. "
For Solomon, this often equates to helping
customers " connect the dots " - with access
to the right engineering conversations,
demonstrations, or compelling visual
representations of lifters in action.
" Everything about what we are trying to
do ties back to continuous improvement
and growth in areas where we can make a
difference, " he said.
Peering into the future
Looking ahead, Solomon can see engineering
even more products with the demonstrated
ability to outperform traditional lifting and
handling methods, safely and cost-efficiently.
In preparation, he is considering even faster,
safer and smarter machines that will be put
to work by qualified operators in even more
semi-autonomous and fully manufacturersupported
lifting and handling operations.
Vacuworx lifting systems are already
adaptable to multiple applications and host
machines, such as modular systems for heavyduty
manufacturing, battery or electric systems
for various in-plant or field operations, and
an alternative system for using anchors and
chains when handling precast.
In light of the 25-year milestone, Solomon
reflected on his years building Vacuworx and
reminded himself that while focusing on
what's next is important, so is remembering
where it all started.
Material handlers of all sizes come to
Vacuworx for not only the safety aspects and
labor-saving benefits, but also to uncover
advantages associated with a superior level of
service and support.
" When we enter a new market, sometimes
it's hard for people to believe that our lifters are
as safe and easy to use as we say they are, " said
Solomon. " But we're in our 25th year, and we
welcome the opportunities to prove what we
say is what we do. " UI
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Vacuworx, (918) 259-3050, vacuworx.com
http://www.vacuworx.com http://www.UndergroundInfrastructure.com
Underground Infrastructure - November 2023

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