Made in the USA Since 1954

About VAC-U-MAX

Industrial Equipment for the Bulk Material Handling Industry

Founded on Innovation

A Legacy of Safety

VAC-U-MAX was founded in 1954 when Frank Pendleton developed the world’s first compressed-air-operated industrial vacuum cleaner to improve workplace safety in New Jersey’s highly combustible textile mill industry. In 1970, VAC-U-MAX designed and engineered air-powered industrial vacuum cleaners for the evacuation of highly flammable jet fuel for PAN AM, recovering jet fuel from the wing tanks of the first Boeing 747 aircraft.

Leading-Edge Technology Since 1954

A true pioneer in the industry, VAC-U-MAX has ushered in many firsts over the years. In 1965, VAC-U-MAX entered the pneumatic conveying business, designing the very first venturi-powered vacuum generator to convey black powder for a U.S. ordnance manufacturer. In 1977, VAC-U-MAX introduced the vertical-wall tube hopper receiver for difficult-to-convey materials. In 1989, VAC-U-MAX patented the bulk bag unloading station.

VAC-U-MAX’s tradition of vertical integration, application expertise, and manufacturing now spans three generations, and we continue to lead the industry in innovation and design. Most recently, VAC-U-MAX developed the first renewable-energy lithium-ion vacuum system for high volume debris recovery—a system that collected over 4 million pounds of debris in its first year of operation in the New York City subway system.

Watch the video below to get an inside look at VAC-U-MAX and learn a little more about what we do.

Markets Served

VAC-U-MAX equipment and systems are sold worldwide. Major markets for our vacuums and conveying systems include the chemical, food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Specialty applications have been created for several markets, including metal recovery and reconditioning systems for the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry. From the finest silica fume in compounding and extrusion to heavy steel shot in fabrication, from nonwoven fabrics and paper products to subway systems and waste water treatment, we invite you to put us to the test.

Technologies

VAC-U-MAX is well known as an industry leader in bulk material handling. A UL-listed designer and manufacturer of control panels, we furnish integrated control systems that provide coordination of material movement, batching, and processing with tie-in capabilities to existing control systems. Whether scaling up existing systems, adding production lines, or automating processes, we bring unparalleled engineering expertise to every project, with rapid turnaround times, responsive support, and, of course, the VAC-U-MAX 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We’re also available to partner with you on OEM solutions, bringing VAC-U-MAX reliability and productivity to your customers.

Safety & Compliance

When it comes to workplace safety, the right manufacturing partner is essential. VAC-U-MAX products and systems have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to compliance because safety and sanitation have been baked into our model from day one. We will always have your back, ensuring that the latest FDA, OSHA, NFPA guidelines are being considered in the design and implementation of your system. Safety is much more than compliance, it’s about better working conditions, increased worker retention, increased productivity and profitability. Clean systems aren't just nice to look at, they’re safer and more efficient, improving your product AND productivity, extending the life of your capital equipment, and protecting your bottom line.

Our Process

Peak performance is an art. Every vacuum conveying system design—whether it's a sophisticated, custom-engineered system or a turnkey package—begins with a blank page. We begin by consulting with you about your process—equipment, plant environment, materials, volume, and so on. Once created, your system will then be tested and tuned under simulated conditions in our 6,000-square-foot, fully equipped test lab to ensure optimal performance. All equipment is pre-wired, pre-plumbed, and tested right here in New Jersey before shipping to minimize assembly at your facility. Most importantly, we provide an air-tight performance guarantee. We’re with you through installation, startup, operator training, and beyond.

Industry Expertise

What You Need to Know When Choosing Pneumatic Conveyors

Bulk Material Handling

What You Need to Know When Choosing Pneumatic Conveyors

You don’t need to become an expert at system design to integrate pneumatic conveyors into your line; you simply need to understand your own process.

Industrial Vacuum Cleaners: Sucking the Waste from Housekeeping Practices

Industrial Vacuum Cleaning

Industrial Vacuum Cleaners: Sucking the Waste from Housekeeping Practices

From health and labor costs to materials and equipment, learn five concrete ways that industrial vacuum systems will add to your bottom line.

Meet Process Needs Without a Custom Design

Bulk Material Handling

Meet Process Needs Without a Custom Design

Starting with a tried-and-true turnkey conveying system is a great way to address common challenges, and VAC-U-MAX’s pre-engineered systems were born from successful first-time solutions and years of proof of concept.

Handling Combustible Dusts: Preventing Dust Explosions

Industrial Vacuum Cleaning

Handling Combustible Dusts: Preventing Dust Explosions

In this article, we discuss combustible dusts, the mechanics of catastrophic dust explosions, and ways you can prevent dust fires and explosions in your facilities.

The Basics: An Overview of Vacuum Conveying

Bulk Material Handling

The Basics: An Overview of Vacuum Conveying

In this article, we cover the basics of pneumatic conveying – how it works, a rundown of the benefits, and a list of factors we take into account when customizing your system.

When to Convey Pneumatically & When to Convey Mechanically

Bulk Material Handling

When to Convey Pneumatically & When to Convey Mechanically

Learn how mechanical conveying compares and contrasts to pneumatic conveying when transferring dry bulk and friable materials to processing and packaging lines

“[The systems] are easy to put together and take apart because they use standard parts and they don’t need tools. Over time, it’s really been surprising how reliable the VAC-U-MAX systems are. With the screw conveyor, we had to do something to it at least once a month. By replacing it with a pneumatic conveying system, we have saved over $150,000 annually. That’s really good technology.”

Leonardo Etcheto

Plant Manager, Nutriom

“I contacted Vac-U-Max because it’s the original vacuum conveyor manufacturer. It has been around since the 50s, with venerable, mature technology... The Vac-U-Max system has been a real workhorse. It is robust, low maintenance, and very simple to use.”

Frank Commanday

Technical Director, San Juan Seltzer

Industries Served

At VAC-U-MAX, we develop systems and equipment for customers worldwide. Our depth and breadth of experience across industries—and within highly sophisticated and regulated industries—makes us the ideal manufacturing partner to ensure your system’s initial and ongoing success.

Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing

Aerospace

Agriculture

Bakery

Battery Production

Bottle Cap Conveying

Chemical / Detergent / Desiccants

Conveying to Blenders, Mixers & Reactors

Conveying to Tablet Presses

Cosmeceutical

Feeder / Dosing Refill Systems

Food and Beverage

Gain in Weight Systems

Gel & Capsule Conveying

Loss in Weight Systems

Milling / Micronization / Granulation

Mobile Vacuum Conveying Systems

Multi Ingredient Handling Systems

Nutraceutical

Packaging

Pet Food

Pharmaceutical

Plastics Compounding / Extrusion

Small Plastic Parts

Snack Food Industry

Wastewater Treatment

Weighing Systems

Upcoming Trade Shows

sunday18oct2026 PACK EXPO InternationalJoin us in Chicago for PACK EXPO International – the packaging industry’s global hub for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Booth S-4315 McCormick Place Convention Center 9:00am CDT Learn More

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