Tulsa, OK — Vacuworx, a Tulsa-based innovator in heavy-duty vacuum lifting equipment, was named a recipient of the Oklahoma Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting for the eighth time — becoming the first company in Oklahoma history to achieve this distinction. The company also received the District Export Council’s Export Champion Award. Both honors were presented at the 43rd Annual Oklahoma World Trade Conference, held April 22, 2026 at the Lemley Campus in Tulsa, OK.
The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting was created to recognize the achievements of small to medium-sized companies that have successfully entered the worldwide marketplace. Vacuworx first earned the honor in 2014, recognized for its commitment to investing in the resources required to meet fast-growing worldwide demand for reliable and economical material-handling solutions. The company went on to win again in 2017 and 2022 — and with today’s award, stands alone as the only Oklahoma business to claim the distinction eight times.
For Vacuworx Vice President of Sales Steve Smith, the recognition reflects a commitment that has been core to the company since its earliest days. “International trade has been, and will always be, a very integral part of our success,” he said.
Smith, who has spent 15 years with Vacuworx building international relationships and expanding the company’s presence in the global marketplace, has been a driving force behind the company’s export growth. Founded in Tulsa in 1999, Vacuworx made its first international sale to Australia in 2000 and has since grown its global dealer network to 74 countries, with recent export sales to Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Sweden, Italy, and India.
“With the assistance of the Oklahoma U.S. Export Assistance Center, the U.S. Commercial Service, and many other government agencies and resources, Vacuworx has been able to grow our international business and our global dealer network to where it is today,” Smith said.
Vacuworx vacuum lifting systems are designed to handle nearly all diameters and materials of pipe, along with steel plate, precast and saw-cut concrete, solar panels, and more. By replacing manual handling methods, the technology supports faster, safer, and smarter jobsite operations while reducing loading and unloading cycles, limiting ground personnel, and helping control overall operating costs.
As adoption continues to expand worldwide, Vacuworx remains focused on broadening its international presence to help protect the crews who build and maintain the infrastructure people rely on every day.
About Vacuworx
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vacuworx is a global leader in vacuum lifting technology. The company designs, manufactures, and sells innovative material handling systems used in pipeline, water utility, precast, civil construction, and infrastructure industries worldwide. Vacuworx products are known for their reliability, versatility, and commitment to improving job site safety and productivity. For more information, visit www.vacuworx.com.
