What Vactor Manufacturing does

Vactor Manufacturing designs and manufactures heavy-duty infrastructure maintenance equipment for sewer cleaning, catch basin cleaning, hydrostatic water jetting, vacuum excavation, and glycol recovery. Founded in 1911 as the Myers-Sherman Company and headquartered in Streator, Illinois, Vactor created the first combination sewer cleaner in 1969 and has since sold more than 13,000 units, with its 2100 Series becoming an industry standard for municipal sewer cleaning. The product portfolio spans full-size combination sewer cleaners (2100i), compact units (iMPACT), dedicated catch basin cleaners (2100i CB), truck- and trailer-mounted water jetters (Ramjet), easement machines (ACE), vacuum excavators under the TRUVAC brand, and industrial vacuum loaders under the Guzzler brand. Underlying technology combines high-pressure water jetting with vacuum systems, modulated by the proprietary IntuiTouch electronic control platform (CAN bus, 7-inch touchscreen, optional wireless two-way transmission), Jet Rodder water pumps with optional Jackhammer action, Multi-Flow energy-conserving hydraulics, the RDB 1015 rapid deployment boom, water recycling modules, Park-N-Clean fast setup, and the Modul-Flex configurable debris body and water tank architecture (3-15 cubic yards, 500-3,000 gallons). The portfolio is protected by 20+ granted US patents and is differentiated by more than 100 years of category heritage.

The company operates a multi-channel revenue model anchored by a 50+ distributor dealer network spanning 100+ North American locations and 85+ factory-trained service centers, supplemented by 8 factory-direct industrial sites. Revenue is generated through hardware sales (combination cleaners, jetters, vacuum excavators, industrial vacuum loaders), aftermarket parts and certified service, and operator/maintenance training programs. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; municipal and federal buyers access equipment via the Sourcewell cooperative contract (#101221-VTR) and GSA federal contracts (SPM500-01-D-0099, SPM500-01-D-0116). Primary customer segments are municipal and public works agencies (vertical), contractors and service companies, and utility/telecommunications firms requiring safe-digging equipment. Vactor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS), acquired in 1994, and operates within Federal Signal's Environmental Solutions Group alongside sister brands Elgin, Guzzler, and Jetstream. Federal Signal committed up to $25 million to expand the Streator manufacturing footprint by approximately 100,000 square feet, adding up to 90 manufacturing jobs to support product line and capacity growth.

Name

Vactor Manufacturing

Legal name

Vactor, LLC

Website

https://vactor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Vactor Manufacturing designs and manufactures heavy-duty combination sewer cleaners, water jetters, catch basin cleaners, and vacuum excavators, selling through a 50+ distributor North American dealer network to municipal public works departments, contractors, and utility customers under parent Federal Signal Corporation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Sewer Cleaning and Vacuum Excavation Equipment

NAICS

Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310), Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423810)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Vacuum Systems (Wet/Dry, Dust Extraction) (IMAHALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Vacuum Pumps & Systems (IMAHANAD)

Keywords

• Sewer cleaning equipment
• Vacuum excavation trucks
• Combination sewer cleaners
• Water jetter systems
• Municipal infrastructure maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Streator

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales: Vactor manufactures and sells sewer cleaning equipment including combination sewer cleaners, catch basin cleaners, water jetters, and vacuum excavators. Equipment is sold through a dealer network with prices typically determined by configuration and specifications. Major models include 2100i, iMPACT, 2100i CB, Ramjet truck/ trailer jetters, and ACE easement machines.
2. Parts & Service: Aftermarket parts sales and service through 85+ service centers staffed with factory-trained technicians. Performance Matched Parts built to exact specifications. Includes comprehensive rebuild program, performance upgrades, and retrofit options.
3. Training Services: Operator, maintenance and service training programs taught by experienced staff. Hands-on classes on operations, maintenance, and service available through registration.
4. TRUVAC Brand Products: Vactor also manufactures and sells TRUVAC branded vacuum excavators designed for safe digging requirements. Products include Paradigm sub-compact, Prodigy, and HXX series full-sized excavators.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Vactor Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells heavy-duty infrastructure maintenance equipment for sewer cleaning, catch basin cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, vacuum excavation, and industrial vacuum loading applications. Its equipment portfolio includes combination sewer cleaners, dedicated catch basin cleaners, truck- and trailer-mounted water jetters, easement machines, and vacuum excavators sold under the Vactor and TRUVAC brands via a North American dealer network. Revenue is supplemented by factory-matched parts, service, and operator training programs delivered through 85+ service centers.

Product overview

Vactor Manufacturing is a manufacturer of infrastructure maintenance equipment specializing in sewer cleaning and vacuum excavation solutions. The product portfolio centers on combination sewer cleaners (2100i, iMPACT) that combine high-pressure water jetting with vacuum technology, dedicated catch basin cleaners (2100i CB), water jetters (Ramjet truck and trailer series), easement machines (ACE), and vacuum excavators under the TRUVAC brand. Key enabling technologies include the proprietary IntuiTouch control system with touchscreen interface, RDB 1015 rapid deployment boom, water recycling systems, and Jet Rodder water pumps. Equipment serves municipal and contractor customers for applications including sanitary sewer line cleaning, storm drain maintenance, catch basin cleaning, treatment plant cleaning, wet well/lift station cleaning, and hydro-excavation. Products are available with various configurations for Fan (hydrostatic) or Positive Displacement air mover systems, and multiple boom options including telescopic, extendable, 5x5, and RDB designs. The company operates as a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation from its headquarters in Streator, Illinois.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TRUVAC: Premium vacuum excavator trucks designed specifically to satisfy the safe-digging requirements of businesses or organizations that locate and verify underground utility lines and pipes.
• Guzzler

Products and services

• 2100i Combination Sewer Cleaner Full-size combination sewer cleaner with Fan or Positive Displacement (PD) configurations, IntuiTouch controls, RDB 1015 boom option, and over 100 precision-engineered enhancements. Targets municipal sewer cleaning, jet rodding, and catch basin cleaning with debris body capacity of 5-15 cubic yards and water tanks of 1,000-1,500 gallons.
• 2100i CB Catch Basin Cleaner Dedicated catch basin cleaner based on the 2100i platform, equipped with the same IntuiTouch controls and boom options but configured for catch basin cleaning operations.
• iMPACT Combination Sewer Cleaner Compact combination sewer cleaner for smaller-scale applications including catch basins, sanitary and storm sewers, laterals, and lift stations. Features IntuiTouch controls, 3-5 cubic yard debris body, 500-750 gallon water tank, and multiple boom options.
• Water Recycler Water recycling system add-on for the 2100i that separates and cleans collected water from the debris body and recirculates it back to the water tank for reuse during jetting, eliminating trips to water-filling stations and improving job-site productivity.
• Ramjet Truck Series Truck-mounted water jetter featuring IntuiTouch controls, Jet Rodder water pump, Park-N-Clean technology, and water capacities of 1,500-3,000 gallons in multiple GPM/PSI configurations. Designed for power jetting through tough obstructions.
• Ramjet Trailer Jetter Trailer-mounted water jetter with up to 750 gallon water capacity, plunger-style pump with multiple GPM/PSI options, designed for smaller jobs and congested areas where maneuverability is critical.
• ACE Easement Machine Easement machine for hard-to-reach job sites where trucks or trailers cannot access. Hose reel can move away from the water tank/pump source; connects to a separate jetting machine (no built-in tanks or pumps).
• TRUVAC Vacuum Excavators Premium vacuum excavator trucks and trailers for safe-digging requirements in locating and verifying underground utility lines. Includes the Paradigm sub-compact, Prodigy, and HXX full-sized excavator series.
• Parts & Service Support Aftermarket parts, service, and support delivered through 85+ service centers staffed with factory-trained technicians. Includes Performance Matched Parts built to OEM specifications, comprehensive rebuild programs, performance upgrades, and retrofit options.
• Operator and Maintenance Training Services Hands-on operator, maintenance, and service training programs for Vactor equipment delivered by experienced staff. Available through registration for customers and dealer technicians.

Quantifiable outcome

• Water Recycler can increase productivity by 100%
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and flagship.

• US Jetting, LLCsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 February 2016Marketing agreement allowing Vactor to market and distribute US Jetting trailer- and skid-mounted jetters under the Vactor name to municipal and industrial customers in North America. Products include jetters with capacities up to 1,000 gallons, filling a need for smaller trailer- and skid-mounted jetters that complement Vactor's existing product line.
• SourcewellcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSourcewell is a member-driven service cooperative with over 30,000 members including education, government, and non-profit entities. Vactor holds Contract Number 101221-VTR enabling Sourcewell members to purchase Vactor 2100i, 2100i CB, iMPACT, and Ramjet products through competitively bid national contract.
• Maryland Industrial Trucks, Inc.supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaryland Industrial Trucks serves as the GSA contract holder for federal government purchasing of Vactor equipment. Manages GSA contracts SPM500-01-D-0099 (DLA ELGIN) and SPM500-01-D-0116 (DLA VACTOR) enabling federal agencies to purchase through pre-negotiated terms.
• Federal Signal CorporationflagshipOthersFederal Signal Corporation is the parent company of Vactor Manufacturing. Federal Signal is described as the #1 provider of infrastructure maintenance equipment and public safety tools worldwide. Vactor is one of over 30 companies in the Federal Signal portfolio. Parent company invested up to $25 million in Vactor's Streator facility expansion.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sewer Equipment Co. of America: Direct competitor manufacturing combination sewer cleaners, jet/vacuum trucks, and catch basin cleaners for the municipal market. Most comparable peer to Vactor with overlapping product lines in sewer cleaning equipment sold through dealer networks to municipalities and contractors.
• GapVax: Manufacturer of combination sewer cleaners, industrial vacuum loaders, and hydro-excavation trucks. Directly competes with Vactor across municipal sewer cleaning, industrial vacuum, and hydro-excavation segments with similar truck-mounted equipment.
• Ditch Witch (Charles Machine Works): Manufacturer of utility installation equipment including vacuum excavators that directly compete with TRUVAC products. Owned by The Toro Company, Ditch Witch sells through an extensive dealer network serving utility, telecom, and municipal customers with overlapping underground construction equipment.
• Aqua-Tech Equipment: Manufacturer of combination sewer cleaners, hydrostatic drive units, and vacuum loaders for municipal sewer cleaning. Direct competitor to Vactor in the combination sewer cleaner market with overlapping customer base of municipalities and contractors.
• Super Products (Hi-Vac Corporation): Manufacturer of industrial vacuum loaders, sewer cleaners, and hydro-excavation trucks. Competes with both Vactor combination sewer cleaners and Guzzler industrial vacuum loaders, serving similar municipal and industrial customers.
• Hammelmann Corporation: Manufacturer of high-pressure water jetting pumps and systems used in industrial cleaning and sewer jetting applications. Competes with Vactor's Jet Rodder water pump technology and Ramjet jetter product line in the high-pressure water jetting market.

Broad incumbents

• Vermeer Corporation: Large established manufacturer of industrial and utility equipment including vacuum excavators, trenchers, and horizontal directional drills. Competes with Vactor's TRUVAC brand in hydro-excavation and serves similar municipal/contractor end markets, though as part of a broader equipment portfolio.

Emerging players

• McLaughlin (subsidiary of Vermeer): Manufacturer of vacuum excavators and utility locating equipment. Competes with TRUVAC in the hydro-excavation and safe-digging segments with similar trailer- and truck-mounted products targeted at utility contractors.
• Ring-O-Matic: Manufacturer of industrial vacuum excavators and hydro-excavation trucks. Specialized competitor in the vacuum excavation space, overlapping with TRUVAC products for utility locating and safe-digging applications.

Regional players

• Rioned: European-based manufacturer of high-pressure water jetting equipment, sewer cleaning machines, and vacuum systems. Operates in the same sewer cleaning and jetting equipment space as Vactor but primarily serves European municipal markets, providing a geographic-adjacent comparison point.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vactor
• Xx.com/vactormfg
• Facebookfacebook.com/VactorMfg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vactor Manufacturing