VIAVAC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founder Arie de Groot started out as an independent constructor in the Dutch town of IJsselstein in 1995. Under his supervision, the company has become an international player in the field of vacuum lifting techniques for the installation of glass, roof, facade, and wall panels. The company now employs more than 30 staff members, while vacuum lifting solutions are used in over 75 countries—and this number continues to grow.

Safety and efficiency in the construction field

VIAVAC focuses on challenges in the construction field, such as heavy physical work and working at great heights. To increase safety and efficiency on building sites, VIAVAC has developed vacuum panel lifters. Each new product undergoes a comprehensive process of testing, continuous development, and adjustment. The vacuum lifters must be resistant to moisture, cold, and heat, and must be able to withstand rough handling. The enormous variety of panel profiles and glass sizes requires different types of suction pads and configuration options. And it is essential that the glass lifters transport easily. While VIAVAC focuses on smart lifting solutions, they also investigate any problems users tend to encounter. How can things be made easier, faster, and, above all, safer?

Vacuum lifting: the Dutch standard

In 2002, the first CladBoy was ready to enter the market. Despite the vacuum lifter being an immediate success in the Netherlands, the company did its utmost to continue to improve this first model. VIAVAC continued to listen to users’ demands. Heavy work needed to become lighter and construction times shorter, which resulted in a new lifting and tilting device, namely the RotaBoy. In 2006, VIAVAC developed a special vacuum lifter for glass; the GlassBoy. The market for the installation of glass elements appreciated the high quality of these devices, and VIAVAC expanded with new models. VIAVAC recently introduced the GBL2 to lift glass panels of up to 500 kilograms.

The crowning glory is its collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safety Service. With subsequent legislation, vacuum lifting became the Dutch standard. This was quickly picked up on internationally, and vacuum lifting soon became a household name in the field. In 2020, VIAVAC’s dealer network is spread across 19 countries, and its products are used in more than 75 countries.

“Increasing safety and efficiency on building sites. Worldwide.”

– Arie de Groot

VIAVAC responds to market developments

VIAVAC designs, develops, and manufactures in-house and can therefore quickly respond to market developments, such as warm roof constructions and the increasing weight of glass elements. Users can not only purchase tools from VIAVAC, but can also rent these. In this way, users can benefit from the latest developments. Thanks to substantial rental stocks, the desired lifter is always available. VIAVAC’s transport service delivers to all work places and construction sites. Customers praise the service that VIAVAC offers: all tests, repairs, and maintenance take place quickly either at VIAVAC or on location. In the event of a malfunction, immediate support is provided; that way, customers can continue their work without losing their valuable time.

Expansion with a mission

VIAVAC won’t be resting on its laurels in the coming years. The construction of a new building in the Dutch town of Lopik offers the opportunity for further growth. Besides improving the current series, VIAVAC will also develop new lifting solutions to take the strain off various heavy physical tasks. VIAVAC is also committed to expanding its international distribution network. VIAVAC remains faithful to the original mission of founder Arie de Groot:

“Increasing safety and efficiency on building sites. Worldwide.”