Vortox

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.

Vortox Inc forced out of Claremont, CA

Vortox Inc forced out of Claremont, CA

To our valued customers:

We are very happy to announce that the Vortox brand will be relocated in its entirety to Australia under the direction of SLS Group and that all product lines will continue to be manufactured. All equipment, tooling, engineering is in the process of being relocated to their facility in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia in a new 26,000 sq. ft. facility.

After being advised in late 2022 that our Claremont, CA premises were being redeveloped as part of the new residential/retail Village South, Vortox was faced with relocation after nearly 100 years on property. After evaluating the cost of local relocation, our research made it apparent that relocating here was not an option, and we began to meet with interested parties and discuss the various possibilities for Vortox’s future. While numerous parties were interested in various pieces of the Vortox product line, our primary concern for the customer was to ensure the continuation of all products without any compromise to quality and consistency. For nine months, Vortox Air Technology, Inc. and SLS Group have been in discussions and are finalizing the sales agreement for all assets to be relocated.

SLS Group was established in 2003 and is Australia’s leading manufacturer of premium aftermarket stainless steel truck accessories. Being a customer of Vortox Air Technology for fifteen years, the level of quality of products associated with the Vortox name equally parallels the known quality expected and delivered in the SLS Group product line. The SLS business motto of ‘Passion, Precision, Perfection’ aligns with our own philosophy to always make it better than everyone else by being ‘The Genuine Article’ and SLS is committed to continuing the consistent high-quality products that Vortox customers know and expect.

Relocating a manufacturing business to another country is no small task but nothing that nine months of planning and a dedicated group of passionate people with a drive to succeed cannot accomplish. To ensure success and maintain customer relationships, Vortox is committed to working side-by-side with the SLS Group by assisting in the transition both here in California and in Australia. With a hands-on approach of overseeing everything from the floor layout, equipment installation, employee training and equipment operation, Vortox and SLS will ensure that the products provided moving forward will meet the standards you have come to know.

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Myers
President
Vortox Air Technology, Inc.

View PDF announcement letter here: