PCCA Journal 3rd Quarter 2014 - page 53

PCCA Journal|3
rd
Quarter 2014
53
Member News
Continued on page 54
Vac-Tron Celebrates
20 Years of Innovation
V
ac-Tron Equipment, a world leader in vacuum
equipment, wants you to join the company in cel-
ebrating the momentous occasion of its 20th anni-
versary, November 6-7 in Okahumpka, Fla. Fly your family to
Orlando International Airport and join the folks at Vac-Tron
for a two-day event that includes a golf tournament, factory
tour, live entertainment, and much more. For more informa-
tion and to RSVP, go to
.
Vac-Tron first took shape in October 1994 when Don Buck-
ner founded American Manufacturing and Machine, Inc., out
of his garage with his son, Donnie Jr. Forged from their desire
to “make something better”—not unlike other garage-found-
ed operations such as Amazon and Microsoft—the “virtual
manufacturing” company relied on subcontractors to build
and sell pumper and septic-tank trucks across the U.S.
While in this role, Buckner saw a need for innovation in
the trenchless industry, which at the time was marked by
disastrous underground utility strikes. Soon, Buckner devel-
oped 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 Entrepre-
neur 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 applica-
tions. 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 manufactur-
ing, continue to lead the industry in assessing and developing
new products and patents.
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. “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.”
Ditch Witch Introduces the JT9
T
he new Ditch Witch JT9 horizontal directional drill
combines the simplicity and easy operation of small-
er horizontal directional drills with the advanced
features of bigger drilling machines. The JT9 features a high-
performance, Tier 4, 64-horsepower Deutz diesel engine that
can provide years of reliable service without the need for an
expensive upgrade.
Offering 9,000 pounds of pullback force in its sturdy yet
compact frame, the JT9 offers the advanced features of bigger
drilling machines, like a heavy-duty anchor system, open-top
vise wrenches, and an integrated remote display.
The compact size of the JT9 allows it to reach and set up
in tight spaces. It is easy to maneuver in and around the
jobsite and rides on turf-friendly tracks that minimize surface
disturbance
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