The story of Vorstrom Vacuum Equipment began in 1940 when the founding family first entered the waste transport sector in New South Wales. Fifteen years later, it made the move to Warwick, Queensland, and further cemented its commitment to the industry.
Drawing on 69 years of hands-on experience, the business was officially established in 2009 with a clear focus to design and manufacture high-performance vacuum tankers that would be purpose-built for Australia’s waste handling needs. Vorstrom has since expanded significantly and now possesses 45 different models of vacuum tankers which range from small rigid builds with capacities of 2,000 litres to large semi-trailers which can hold 38,000 litres.
Vorstrom CEO and third-generation family member, Darryl Wiggins, has personally seen to this growth. To him, much of it has been a product of the company’s clear vision.
“Our aim is to design and manufacture reliable, high-quality vacuum tankers with a commitment to delivering exceptional aftersales service,” he says. “Our true purpose goes beyond the product.
“We want to be a trusted leader in the tanker market that is recognised for innovation and sturdy builds, so we are dedicated to transforming our customers’ operations through exceptional products and unparalleled aftersales service.”
Reliability has been crucial to Vorstrom’s value proposition since the business’ rebranding and is delivered in a myriad of ways. Chief among these methods is through the use of Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield 2K Topcoat and UltraBuild Epoxy Primer.
Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield 2K Topcoat and UltraBuild Epoxy Primer are each premium quality two-pack solutions. The former features high-quality colour options in solid, metallic and pearl while the latter is best known for its anti-corrosive properties, excellent water resistance and outstanding stone chip resistance.
For Vorstrom, these products provide its vacuum tankers with the key benefit of durability – an element which will also be paramount as the OEM gears up to cater to a larger variety of waste applications.
“We are now looking to carry a lot of products classified as Dangerous Goods with our tankers,” Darryl says. “Because of this, we’re very interested in finding coatings that are suitable to cover our tankers with.”
The protection factors of FleetShield 2K Topcoat and UltraBuild Epoxy Primer extend far beyond the transport journey. As Darryl clarifies, the durability of the products is also a vital quality for the maintenance of the units they are applied to.
“The cleaning of vacuum tankers often involves sanitising them with strong chemicals which threaten to strip paint layers if an equally strong protective topcoat isn’t used,” he says. “The washing process is quite harsh, so the Dulux products we use on our tankers are critical for protection.”
Powerful cleaning chemicals are treated to these tankers at both hot temperatures and high pressures to clean the harsh chemicals that they carry.
“A weaker topcoat will be washed away in that process over time, so we need to use the strong stuff at every point,” Darryl says. “Being durable is essential in every step of the way.”
The FleetShield 2K Topcoat solution also addresses the aesthetic factor of Vorstrom’s tanker builds. Darryl says its glossy finish provides an attractive look, something which displays a degree of professionalism and high-quality to customers.
“These tankers become the front line of our customers’ businesses and fleets,” he says. “They need to look perfect so that our client looks right. So, the appearance of the tanker is just as important as the unit itself.”
This attention to detail has seemingly paid off as the precise focus on robustness and quality has been recognised and praised by Vorstrom’s customer base.
“The feedback that we get from our customers is pretty straightforward,” Darryl says. “They say that our finish is high-quality and resilient, and that our product makes their brands look great. That’s all we’re after.”
Vorstrom’s routine application of FleetShield 2K Topcoat and UltraBuild Epoxy Primer is further bolstered by the valuable aftersales support of Spray Blast Inspect (SBI), an esteemed distributor of Dulux Automotive Coatings products. Dulux Automotive Coatings Queensland Business Development Manager, Kevin Keys, says this partnership has proven to be an excellent fit for all three companies involved. The collaboration has not only met their needs but has also opened up new opportunities for growth and success.
“SBI is essentially a one-stop shop for the supply of goods needed in the automotive paint industry,” he says. “They have extensive industry experience and are highly regarded. The feedback they provide us with on the products used by Vorstrom is incredibly supportive.”
Darryl testifies to the support from Dulux Automotive Coatings and SBI and explains the significant extent to which it has benefitted his operations.
“We really have Sean and Ray at SBI to thank for our use of the Dulux products,” he says. “They have operated as the middleman between us and Dulux for well over a decade.”
In addition to the ongoing support from SBI, Vorstrom also receives assistance directly from Dulux representatives.
“Kevin from Dulux often visits our site to check in on the products we’re using,” Darryl says. “They will also show us any new paint options they may have. It’s very diligent work on their part.”
Overall, Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield range of products have ensured that Vorstrom’s tankers are both durable and presentable. Through constant support, Darryl and his team can service the waste industry’s needs with products that are both strong and stylish.
“Working with Dulux for as long as we have has been nothing short of a journey,” he says. “We are very pleased with how well this application has performed. As long as our tankers need protection, we will continue to use their products.
