News

Vortox Filter Elements are Available Now

Vortox Filter Elements are Available Now

We are happy to announce that Vortox air filter elements are now available from our distribution point inside the USA. 

In March 2024 the process began of dismantling the Vortox production facility in Claremont, California. After 100 years on the premises, Vortox was given little over 6 months notice that they needed to vacate the facility. Faced with major challenges of relocation, the decision was made to sell the business.

In June 2024, SLS Custom Stainless Pty Ltd became the official owners of Vortox and machinery and tooling began shipping to Australia. We can now advise that all equipment has been commissioned, the factory is operational and key product lines are being manufactured.
While it is our intention to bring all products back on line, our initial focus must be on the products with the highest demand as we work to confirm and verify the various manufacturing documentation and tooling requirements across the Vortox product range. 

As we work through the manufacturing process here in Australia, we are very happy to advise that Vortox filter elements are readily available from our distribution point inside the USA.


SHIPPING

As your filter elements will be shipping from our US distribution point, the best freight option is to supply your Fedex or UPS account number. Alternatively we can prepay the freight costs on your behalf & add it to your invoice.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Pre-payment will be required for customers without an account. Payment can be made via credit card through a payment link or via ACH transfer to a US domestic bank account.

Factory is Operational

Factory is Operational

Product has now begun to ship from the new Vortox facility in Australia.

While we still have plenty of work to do to complete the factory setup, and many hurdles to overcome in regards to the various supply lines of raw materials, we now have critical machinery up and running and we are producing product.

Our immediate focus is to fill the existing back log of orders that customers had placed with the previous ownership before we begin to build general stock.

We are now taking new orders. Please send all enquiries directly to the new ownership at vortox@slsgroup.net.au.

Getting the facility to its current state of production would not have been possible without the help of the former owner, Kevin Myers and a core team of Vortox Inc employees who agreed to relocate their lives to Australia for a 5 month period to assist with the set up of equipment and training of new staff. Their knowledge and assistance have been an invaluable part of the process and will be critical to ensure the success of Vortox Air Technology Australia.

We have farewelled our American friends and recognize the invaluable contributions they have made in both the dismantling of the factory in Claremont, CA, along with the recommissioning of plant & equipment & the training of new staff here in Australia. They sacrificed precious time away from their family & we will be forever grateful.

Initial Production Started

Initial Production Started

Vortox Australia has been working hard to get various machinery and equipment installed, repaired, converted over to Australian power and commissioned as quickly as possible so that we can get products into production.

We are happy to announce that we have begun production on items from two product categories, Breather Caps and Rain Shields.

Several sizes of both breather caps and rain shields have been manufactured and are in the process of being powdercoated.

Machinery & Equipment Arriving in Australia

Machinery & Equipment Arriving in Australia

All shipping containers have now arrived in Australia and the final shipments are making their way through quarantine and customs.

Below is a gallery of images from the shop floor as goods are unloaded and installed at the new Rutherford, NSW facility.

 

Official Acquisition of Vortox Inc by SLS

Official Acquisition of Vortox Inc by SLS

To our valued customers:

We are pleased to confirm the official acquisition of Vortox Air Technology, Inc. assets, tooling, product line and manufacturing capabilities by SLS Group in New South Wales, Australia. All Vortox product lines will continue to be manufactured by SLS Group as Vortox Air Technology Australia.

A bold move, the relocation of a manufacturing business to another country is no small task. It has proven to be a constant interweaving and direction-plotting process between the requirements of two countries. Though challenging at times, this transition continues to move forward led by a dedicated team of people with the combined efforts from both Vortox Air Technology, Inc. and SLS Group. Working side by side to ensure the continuing quality and success of the Vortox products and utilizing the broad cross-section of skills, both teams will play a critical, hands-on role in overseeing floor layout, equipment installation and start up, employee training and equipment operation as the manufacturing facility is reassembled without compromise to produce current and future products at the highest level of expectation.

As we transition, our immediate focus is the physical relocation of the manufacturing capabilities, with the goal of getting product back onto your shelves. To minimize product delays and interruptions, the new facility will be reassembled in strategic stages to begin filling orders as equipment becomes operational and products can be produced. We estimate that we will be back to full manufacturing capabilities by October 2024.

To assist customers during this phase, SLS Group is contracting Vortox Air Technology, Inc. as representatives to continue customer support.

For this initial phase of the transition, the ordering process will continue as per normal through Vortox Air Technology, Inc.

Email: vortox@vortox.com

Phone: (909) 621-3843

Many logistics must be navigated throughout this transition, encompassing everything from raw materials resources to shipping of the final product to the end user. SLS Group is implementing plans to set up a central distribution centre in the USA and will continue to update you as the details of this arrangement are determined.

We thank you for your patience and support in this transition and we welcome you on this journey of the next chapter in the history of Vortox quality products.

Sincerely,

Steve Lawler
Managing Director
SLS Group

Dismantling Claremont Facility

Dismantling Claremont Facility

Here are a few photos from behind the scenes as all equipment has been removed from the Claremont, CA premises and prepped for transport to Australia.