October 2014, Vol. 69, No. 10
Business
Vac-Tron Equipment Celebrates 20 Years Of Innovation
Okahumpka, FL-based Industrial vacuum equipment company, Vac-Tron Equipment LLC, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Vac-Tron first took shape in October of 1994 when Don Buckner founded American Manufacturing and Machine Inc., out of his garage with his son, Donnie, Jr. Forged from their desire to “make something better” , the “virtual manufacturing” company relied on subcontractors to build and sell pumper and septic-tank trucks across the United States. While in this role, Buckner saw a need for innovation in the trenchless industry, which was, at the time, marked by disastrous underground utility strikes. Soon, Buckner developed a revolutionary, well-made industrial vacuum system that could safely locate underground utilities — without the risk of a strike — and Vac-Tron was born.
It wasn’t long before the industry took notice of Vac-Tron and its new technology. By 2000, the company’s sales had skyrocketed, leading to its recognition on the Inc. 500 as the 13th fastest-growing American company by Inc. Magazine. In the same year, Buckner was named Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year and one of three finalists of the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award for construction/real estate by Ernst and Young (in conjunction with NASDAQ, CNN and USA Today).
Today, Vac-Tron manufactures more than 30 industrial vacuum products with more than 50 wet and dry applications; its products are distributed globally through a network of 120 dealer outlets. Buckner and Vac-Tron’s team of 40-plus employees, which includes his son as head of manufacturing, continue to lead the industry in assessing and developing new products and patents.
In June 2014, Buckner accepted Manufacturing Leadership Awards in two categories from Frost & Sullivan’s Manufacturing Leadership Council: “Product Leadership”, for Vac-Tron’s work on the 2010 BP oil spill cleanup, and “Individual Project – Growth, Innovation, Leadership” in recognition of Buckner’s commitment to furthering the manufacturing industry. Buckner has also been nominated for the Association of Equipment Manufacturer’s Hall of Fame.
Despite the company’s long-held success, Buckner said he still pinches himself. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be where we are today,” he said, while adding, “I’m very proud of our team and the work they’ve put in over the years.”
Buckner said Vac-Tron’s uncompromising dedication to quality and to U.S.-based vendors and suppliers has also contributed to its success. “We’ve never taken shortcuts to cheapen our product,” he said. “In everything we do, we strive for longevity and value; it’s a business model that’s worked well for us — and it’s one we’ll carry into the next 20 years.”
The company’s 20th anniversary celebrations are being planned for the fall. 1-888-VAC-TRON, http://bit.ly/Vactron20years
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