Vortex, a solids and bulk handling components company, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Solids Handling & Processing Association (SHAPA) Company of the Year Award.

To be considered for the award, companies must demonstrate achievement, improved sales success, or deployment of industry best practices. Vortex was selected as a finalist due to its rapid growth in both company size and sales.

When Vortex first entered the European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) markets in 2006, the company had only a handful of sales prospects and no prior sales history. With no real brand recognition, the company also struggled to establish high quality distribution channels. Despite this, Vortex assisted its clients by solving their processing problems through excellent service and response, allowing the company to find its niche in new markets. In the past year, Vortex EMEA has relocated to a larger facility and has hired additional staff.

Although Vortex has experienced six consecutive years of growth in the United Kingdom and in export markets, the company realised record growth of 44 percent in 2016. Such growth was assisted by Vortex expanding its sales portfolio to now include more than 50 countries, including major orders secured in the UK, Germany and Vietnam. In addition, Vortex Loading Solutions are the fastest-growing portion of the company's portfolio, with Vortex loading equipment now installed on six continents.

“We are very honoured to join Russell Finex and Vent-Tech as finalists for this award,” said Travis Young, executive vice president of marketing & global strategy at Vortex. “SHAPA has been an invaluable resource for Vortex over the years and is an organisation that truly serves the solids handling and processing industry.”

Entry to these awards is open to all UK-registered, SHAPA member and non-member companies and institutions operating in the solids handling and processing industry. The winner will be announced and presented at the SHAPA AGM & Solids Handling Industry Awards Dinner on Tuesday, 25 April. SHAPA will publicise the award and its winners on its website, and further publish the information in relevant industry journals.

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