Vacuworx recognized as 2020 manufacturer of the year in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma district of the U.S. Small Business Administration has named Vacuworx, Tulsa, Okla., the 2020 Manufacturer of the Year as part of National Small Business Week.

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), recognizing the contributions and successes of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Vacuworx, a leader in vacuum lifting technology, has been engaged in manufacturing and exporting heavy-duty material handling systems since its establishment in 1999. The company, which celebrated 21 years of industry building accomplishments this year, was founded with the goal of engineering a better, safer way to handle pipe in the field for the oil and gas sector. The current lineup of Vacuworx lifting systems consists of seven different product series, each with applications in various markets such as oil and gas, water and sewer, concrete demolition and highway and heavy construction. With standard lifting capacities ranging from 1,700 to 55,000 lbs., Vacuworx systems can handle a wide variety of materials including pipe, precast and plate.

After winning the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s 2019 Manufacturer of the Year award, Vacuworx was eligible for consideration at the state level through the Oklahoma district of the U.S. Small Business Association. Nominees were evaluated based on several criteria including an increase in sales or profits, growth in employment and maintaining exportation to overseas markets. Businesses also were judged on effective solutions to overcoming market-entry and logistical challenges, and for their support of small businesses entering the export arena.