Shop Vac is gone?

[Jstpssng]

I'm always the last to know anything. I went into the hardware store today looking for a filter and was told they are no longer in business. Now the store is selling Craftsman, which really had me baffled for a moment.
In a nutshell, ShopVac got into trouble and were finding their way out when the bank called in the note. Although the company was viable, the lender can make more by liquidating the assets.
Anybody who closes a running business for short term gain shouldn't be allowed to fly the American Flag... but that's just my opinion.

 

[Diggin It]

I guess somebody should tell whoever is running their website.

Wet Dry Vac Products from Shop-Vac

Shop-Vac is the recognized world leader in wet dry vac technology. For more than 40 years, Shop-Vac has manufactured the best shop vac, innovative, high-quality wet dry vacs, wet vac, water vacuum plus wet dry vac filters and best shopvacs accessories.

shopvac.com

 

[Jstpssng]

I guess somebody should tell whoever is running their website.

Wet Dry Vac Products from Shop-Vac

Shop-Vac is the recognized world leader in wet dry vac technology. For more than 40 years, Shop-Vac has manufactured the best shop vac, innovative, high-quality wet dry vacs, wet vac, water vacuum plus wet dry vac filters and best shopvacs accessories.

shopvac.com

Find one to buy. Their own website links point to places which don't carry the product. Apparently they have been bought out by a Chinese company who says they will keep the product line.

Subsidiary of large Chinese firm buys Shop-Vac, plans to restore production levels

GreatStar is establishing a new company with those hired considered as new employees but the Shop-Vac brand will be retained, a company official says.

www.pennlive.com

 

[dusty3030]

GreatStar is huge. They are a big supplier of private label tools.

 

[RustyA]

My understanding is the shopvac.com website is a redirect by the company hired to liquidate the us assets. If you know the filter number like AA there are multiple companies on Amazon selling multi-pacs for a reasonable cost. I'm very sad to see them go. I found out trying to buy a hangup vac for a relative last Christmas. Great product run out of business by greedy executives putting company in debt is my guess.

 

[bigtiller]

My first shop vac was a 5 gallon Shop Vac in 1975 ~

 

[5030]

Just bought a new stainless steel tank model at Menards 2 weeks ago. No issue.

 

[mikester]

Great product run out of business by greedy executives putting company in debt is my guess.

Could also be a situation where wallymart or homedespot put them out of busines...hard to pay your bills when retailers hold your goods on consignment and then pay 180+ days after product has sold. Just ask Rubbermaid and Claussen Pickles

 

[jaydee325]

Be careful of online sellers of Shop Vac filters. I ordered some and did not read the fine print. And, why would I since they pictured the actual Shop Vac filter! They were larger than original. When I e-mailed them, their reply was to fold the filter in half and discard when half full. Yep, that is what the fine print said to do after I read it. Never again.

I have found reference to a Craftsman shop vac filter that is compatible, so as soon as I work my way through the filters I have, I'll probably try those. Otherwise, I'll just pitch the vac in the trash and replace.

 

[jmc]

Decades ago there was a story about the inventor and his development of the Workmate- that portable bench with the split, clamping top. He had to defend his patent endlessly from the knock-off companies circling him. Forget how the company ended up but hope the guy lived long enough to dance on Sears' grave.

 

[hube2]

I know that this is not on the topic of shop vacs but it is on the topic of banks closing companies. I once worked in a factory, it was a huge wire manufacturer that actually invented many of the wire products used today. They got in trouble and it looked like they would close, most of the trouble was due to foreign trade (NAFTA). At any rate, we turned it around and the company was climbing steadily out of the hole and started turning a profit again. However, the banks had a different story. One bank was taking over another bank. The bank that was doing the takeover would not complete the deal if the company I worked for was still open and owed the bank any money. They did not want to take over the risk. End of story, company was shut down and liquidated.

 

[hube2]

I also have a shop vac in my basement, needs a new filter. I guess this means I need a new vac.

 

[hube2]

Decades ago there was a story about the inventor and his development of the Workmate- that portable bench with the split, clamping top. He had to defend his patent endlessly from the knock-off companies circling him. Forget how the company ended up but hope the guy lived long enough to dance on Sears' grave.

I have a Workmate, inherited it from my FIL and he got in in the 70s. Its a little rusty but it still works and I use it all the time. I'd be lost without it.

 

[5030]

I have one (workmate). It's owned by B&D.

 

[5030]

Shop Vac filters are made offshore. Just purchased a 2 pack of yellow (drywall filters). Menards again.

 

[SylvainG]

I have one (workmate). It's owned by B&D.

Yep, same here. I have the 'Original' Workmate for over 20 years I think. Don't use much but it's there when I need it.