Salina Vortex supplies material handling valves to a global network of Original Equipment Manufacturers, Fortune 500 companies, and process engineering firms. Throughout the world, you can find Vortex Valves handling the ......Salina Vortex supplies material handling valves to a global network of Original Equipment Manufacturers, Fortune 500 companies, and process engineering firms. Throughout the world, you can find Vortex Valves handling the world’s dry bulk solids. It took the company three short decades to reach the level of success it enjoys today. The company originated from humble beginnings in the late 70’s. Neil Peterson, a mechanical engineer experienced in pneumatic conveying, and Lee Young, Neil’s son-in-law, started Salina Vortex in an early Cold War era military building in 1977. Salina Vortex was named after Salina, Kansas (the city of which the company was founded) and ‘Vortex” after Neil’s initial valve concept that created a vortex to direct material flow. His purpose and dream was to design and manufacture innovative and problem-solving valves for handling dry materials in pneumatic conveying systems. Neil knew that traditional butterfly valves and knife gates were suitable for handling gases and liquids, however they had deficiencies in handling dry solids. A new design was needed to eliminate the problems associated with these types of valves, specifically material flow obstruction, self -cleaning, and seal abrasion. His perseverance paid off with a valve design he deemed the Orifice Gate. In 1980, the company was awarded a patent on the Orifice Gate. This new valve design surpassed the industry’s expectations for handling dry materials in pneumatic conveying. Chemical Processing Magazine awarded the Orifice Gate its “Vaaler Award”--judging it a major contributor toward more efficient and effective operation of plants in the chemical processing industry. This achievement changed the way process engineers selected valves for handling dry solids. Between 1980 and 1989 additional products were developed. The unique Wye Line Diverter, which applied the same design concepts of the Orifice Gate, dramatically improved process efficiencies when compared to traditional flapper or tunnel style diverters. The Salina Roller Gate and Clear Action Gate were also conceived during this decade. Each new product added more dimension to the material handling capabilities of the Vortex line of gates and valves. To address increasing demand of these new product lines, additions were made in 1987 and 1989 to the original building. In 1989, Lee Young became CEO of the company in preparation for Neil’s retirement. Under Lee’s direction Vortex continued to increase its market presence and expand its manufacturing facilities throughout the 1990’s. The company received many industry accolades for new product development and achievement. These awards include: two Innovation in Powder / Bulk Technology Awards (the only repeat winner for this award), Kansas Society of Professional Engineer’s Governor’s New Product Award, Kansas Department of Commerce’s Breakthrough Product of the Year Award, and Kansas Exporter of the Year Award. In 1999, Lee earned Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Since 2000, Vortex has continued to increase its market share and develop new products. Additional Industry recognition followed throughout the world: 􀂃 Vaaler Award for the Seal Tite Gravity Diverter 􀂃 Processing Magazine’s Breakthrough Product of the Year 􀂃 American Institute of Chemical Engineer’s Best in Show Award for the 2001 International Powder Show, 􀂃 Powder and Bulk Engineering’s Reader’s Choice Award 􀂃 Chemical Equipment Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award. In addition to these honors, many national and international publications have featured stories and case histories relating to Vortex slide gates and diverter valves. In June of 2006, Salina Vortex will expand once more by moving into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and office complex that spans over a 15-arce campus. This new facility will allow enough space for Vortex to introduce lean manufacturing methods supported by leading-edge fabrication equipment and laser cutting technology, as well as, provide additional offices for its corporate staff. This new complex will be located at 1725 Vortex Avenue in Salina, Kansas. Vortex’s success comes from a philosophy, which includes willingness to work with special customer needs, focus on quality, and timely customer service.