Founded in 2019, Vape-Jet is an automation technology company in Tigard, Oregon, in the exciting world of cannabis equipment solutions. Specifically, we manufacture automation systems and create software that automates filling for cartridges and other devices. To get a feel for our team and technology, check out: Vape-Jet.com
About the Role:
We’re looking for a Product Support Technician I to add to our fast-growing team. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow within a fast-moving startup. You will be responsible for providing customers with remote technical support. This position will report directly to the Product Support Manager. The preferred candidate must have a desire to learn innovative technologies while following, developing, and improving existing standard operating procedures. Though experience in customer facing and technical support roles are ideal, on-the-job training will be provided.
Hours:
The majority of our customer base is located on the East Coast, so we are looking to expand our support coverage hours with overlapping shifts. This position is flexible, either in-person at our manufacturing facility in Tigard, Oregon or remote if on the East Coast. The ideal candidate will be available Monday through Friday 8am-4pm Eastern Time (5am-1pm Pacific Time), with a paid lunch break. (Occasional travel may be required for on-site technical support.)
Responsibilities:
Follow Standard Operating Procedures to triage incoming support requests.
Contribute to the continual improvement of our existing Standard Operating Procedures.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve technical issues remotely.
Provide training to new and existing customers on how to use our products.
Maintain a sense of professionalism and calm in high-stress interactions with customers.
Coordinate with on-site Product Support Team to ship replacement components as needed.
Qualifications:
Strong communication skills are required.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Strong attention to detail and note taking required.
Team-oriented with the ability to work independently as needed.
Familiarity with technical support desired.
Computer literacy including Windows, Office Suite, JIRA or other help desk systems (Odoo/ERP familiarity is a plus).
Pay Rate/Method:
$23-$27/hour (Depending on Experience)
Paid lunch and breaks
100% coverage for basic health benefits/dental at 60 days
Among the returnees to MJBizCon this year, Vape-Jet founder and CEO Ryan Hoitt had a great time reconnecting with friends and introducing newcomers to the world of vape cartridge-filling automation.
To Ryan, the differences from 2019 to 2022 couldn’t be starker: “In 2019, we walked around, smuggling in brochures and doing guerrilla marketing trying not to get caught.” In those days, Vape-Jet was a fairly new concept, and the potential of an automatic cartridge-filler was not as obvious as it is today. “Our handouts got trashed faster than we could place them, but it brought in just enough interest to bootstrap the first couple of sales,” Ryan recalls.
In 2021, we set up our first Vape-Jet booth, allowing us to build some brand awareness and connect with folks interested in innovation. “People were starting to take notice, and sales were climbing,” Ryan says.
If 2019 and 2021 were focused on establishing our brand and generating interest, 2022 was the payoff. “We had to take off our branded shirts just to get a moment of silence during after-hours events and date nights,” Ryan says. “People came purposefully to see us in person. All around town, we ran into existing clients, formed relationships with new ones, and got to experience our 10 seconds of fame.”
This development, though not entirely surprising given the rapid growth of automated vape-filling processes, was very special to behold. “When we started building a B2B vape cartridge-filling equipment brand, I never for a moment thought we would experience so much recognition, admiration, and command such respect in the industry.”
“I am incredibly proud of the entire Vape-Jet team for making this a possibility, and I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.”
Of course, Ryan wasn’t our only representative at MJBizCon. Resident chemist, COO, and co-founder Devon Reid also made his return to the tradeshow floor this year.
Aside from being chased around MJBizCon (until he took off his branded gear), Devon notes a decisive industry focus on improving QA. “The market is shifting from a fixation on throughput to a focus on quality,” Devon says. “The renewed focus on quality encompasses not only the machine that puts the oil into the cartridges, but the cartridges themselves, the oil itself, the upstream processes for obtaining the oil, and the downstream consequences of implementing all the upstream quality improvements.”
Why? Because a surplus of supply means customers are faced with more options than ever before. Now, Devon says, many businesses are taking a holistic approach to product planning. “From high-quality equipment to high-quality products, businesses see the positive consequences for end-users (increased sales) and employees (increased retention).”
Utilizing automatic cartridge-fillers like our Vape-Jet fully-automatic filling machine is a surefire way to improve customer and employee satisfaction. “Fire in, fire out—it’s that simple,” Devon says.
The Evolution of Vape Producers
Vape-Jet sales rep Sawyer Sheppard has seen his share of cannabis industry tradeshows and has developed a keen eye for industry trends and matching customers with solutions that fit their long-term goals.
At MJBizCon 2022, Sawyer highlights a key theme: versatility. “With the rise in different form factors—including disposables, pod-type systems, and higher quality oils like live resin and rosin—heating up in the market, versatility is the name of the game.”
To improve their versatility, Sawyer noticed that brands are increasingly looking for partnerships. “Many customers are now looking for long-term equipment suppliers that they can grow with,” Sawyer says, emphasizing the word “growth.” “After being burned by tone-deaf ‘product support teams,’ businesses want a partner who is not just selling them equipment, but is dedicated to their long-term growth.”
MJBizCon Session: Vape Market Breakdown
What’s happening in the vape market as we enter 2023? Industry trends took center stage as insiders discussed consumer and quality developments heading into the new year.
If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry, here are some key highlights:
Consumer Trends
Women now account for 57% of vape cartridge users
Consumers increasingly focus on cannabis growers due to live and solventless processes, whole plant efficacy, and the cannabis marketing ecosystem
Speakers emphasized good manufacturing practices that keep formulations simple and test at every stage of the process
Quality Trends
It has never been more important to hire people who really love cannabis
Shelf stability is essential, but old cannabis shouldn’t be written off
The days of scarcity are over, so diversification of products is paramount
New vape sizes and cannabinoid focus coming to market
‘Till MJBizCon 2023!
We want to extend a sincere “thank you” to everyone who made it to our booth this year! MJBizCon 2022 could not have been the success it was for our team without your support, and we look forward to building off the positive energy we received. The cannabis industry is driven by innovators who prioritize product quality, responsible scaling, and versatile technology, and we are proud to continue leading the charge in vape cartridge automation.
If you are interested in partnering with us, reach out to our crew to learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
It’s that time of year again, and the Vape-Jet team is happy to join the cannabis industry folks at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 16-18! This year, we’re bringing along brand representative, Vape-Jet operator, and owner of Natural Roots Extracts, Demetre (James) Janness to answer questions and provide insight into what it’s like working with a Vape-Jet fully-automatic filling machine and Jet Fueler semi-automatic cartridge-filling machine every day.
If you’re at the expo, make sure to stop by booth #6851 and say “hi!” We’ll provide you with all the information you need about our productsand some cat memes for the road!
A look back at MJBizCon 2021 from our friends at AVD.
Ask a Vape-Jet Operator: Demetre Janness from Natural Roots Extracts
With the news that our good friend Demetre would be joining us for MJBizCon, it was only fitting that we sat down and discussed his experience with Vape-Jet. Along with some insights he’s gained from the field, we also talked about our new partnership with his vape hardware company, TerpLogic, and how we work together to share benefits with our customers.
Demetre’s Vape-Jet Experience
“I’ve been using Vape-Jet filling machines for quite some time,” Demetre says. “I would say at least three and a half years now. I am absolutely pleased with the results.” During those years, Demetre has used several of our products, including the Vape-Jet 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, Jet Fueler 2.0, and Squish-o-Matic 1000.
Why has Demetre partnered with Vape-Jet through the years? “We’ve been able to increase our volume of work with less people over a very short amount of time.” Vape-Jet cartridge-filling machines are perfect for guaranteeing his company will meet deadlines. Demetre says that their Vape-Jet ‘pretty much guarantees’ that the filling process will always be smooth. “In fact,” Demetre mentions, “[the filling process] is where we usually make up most of the time.”
When you’re working with automated technology, it always helps to partner with a company that has your back long-term. Demetre explains that one of the great things about Vape-Jet is being able to get in touch with product support and technical assistance in a reasonable timeframe—“Next thing you know, they’re like ‘here, let me fix this for you,’ and, BAM, it’s done!” “Then, with the small exception where I’ve broken my own parts from carelessness,” Demetre continues, “I’ve ordered a new [part] and was able to get it very fast and at a fair, reasonable price.”
Asked how Vape-Jet cartridge-filling machines compare with other filling systems he’s used, Demetre explains, “like many people in the industry, I started filling by hand. Compared to that you might as well be launching me into space and setting me on Mars because it’s out-of-this-world different.”
Some of the negatives Demetre points out about hand-filling include stress, physical strain, and employee turnover. Not only does hand-filling have labor consequences, Demetre continues, but it also results in substantial product loss. “When you can reduce the amount of touchpoints to your packaging, you can make the job fun because it’s really great watching the machine do its job… I mean, you can’t compare. You really can’t.”
Watch Demetre fill and cap simultaneously with the Vape-Jet 3.0 and Squish-o-Matic 1000 side by side.
Vape-Jet Insights
We asked Demetre if he had any tips for new (and experienced) operators of our vape cartridge-filling machines: “the biggest tip I can give to an operator to [get] the most out of your systems is making sure that you take time to prep,” he says. “Take your time, do your prep work, heat your oil properly, and develop a great SOP for that whole system, so if you have other people working when you’re not around, they’re not going to break the machine.”
When asked how difficult it was to operate a Vape-Jet fully-automatic cartridge-filling machine as a rookie, Demetre says: “By the end of the [first] day, I was able to jump in comfortably, knowing that the next day, when I’m completely on my own, I don’t have to rely on calling anybody or anything like that.” In fact, Demetre quickly trained most of his staff to operate the machine after just learning it himself. Asked what he considered the hardest part of operating a Vape-Jet, he says, “honestly, whatever I’ve run into thus far has been nothing compared to what we were doing before.”
With a valuable perspective (having operated several Vape-Jet iterations over the years), Demetre states that the Vape-Jet 4.0 is much quieter than previous generations. Noting the superior speed, build quality, ease-of-use, and built-in touchscreen as key benefits of Vape-Jet automation, Demetre says the upgraded 4.0 software is “outstanding” in its ability to locate and fill vape cartridges and pods quickly. “I was able to test TerpLogic Ally pods with the original 3.0, and it worked great, but the 4.0 is just faster. I think we’re hitting around 4 minutes per tray of 50 pods with a dual fill, full gram with .5g on each side. So, 50g in 4 minutes with caps and everything. And we are able to utilize the Squish-o-Matic in that process, so it’s great.”
When considering whether to invest in a Vape-Jet cartridge-filling machine, Demetre advises companies to consider how it impacts labor. “You’re allowing your employees to have a job that avoids work-related injuries from repetitive motion and things like that. I think that relates heavily to turnover with staff. It also translates big when it comes to losses. If you’re constantly training someone, then you’re losing money. You need someone there to make sure this machine runs, and that’s it. And it’s going to keep running until your power runs out. And that’s on you.”
By streamlining their production with Vape-Jet hardware—from the Vape-Jet 4.0 to the Squish-o-Matic 1000—Demetre shows how quickly investing in a Vape-Jet automatic cartridge filler can pay off. Whether it’s labor, product loss, quality control, or scaling considerations, Vape-Jet has the solutions to help you increase revenue and innovate for the future.
Since the launch of our new partner program, we’ve teamed up with a solid group of like-minded companies to bring our customers the most streamlined vape cartridge-filling workflow possible. With the addition of Demetre’s company TerpLogic Solutions, our mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and scalable filling processes to the cannabis industry continues.
Who is TerpLogic?
TerpLogic manufactures The “Ally” All-In-One Rechargeable Vape, one of the most efficient vapes available that ensures proper voltage output for maximum performance, all in a sleek, discrete design with no cotton wicking required.
Due to his experience with our company, Demetre wanted to ensure The Ally would work seamlessly with our Vape-Jet fully-automatic cartridge-filling machine. “[The Vape-Jet] is able to identify [the Ally’s] center post and two filling holes that exist within our design very quickly. In fact, we’re able to push the limits if we really want to, but, personally, I’m a firm believer in efficiency, and I try to find numbers where everyone can keep up.”
Demetre also points out that the Vape-Jet saved profile configuration feature allows TerpLogic to quickly switch from 510 cartridges to Ally pods, allowing them to run two cartridge platforms without downtime or wasted product.
Vape-Jet 4.0 filling the TerpLogic Ally all-in-one pod.
“One of the things that’s great about the TerpLogic Ally pod is it’s an all-in-one with a rechargeable low-capacity battery,” Demetre says. This reduces the amount of lithium needed to operate the device, allowing TerpLogic to reduce their carbon footprint. “We’re able to reduce [emissions] due to The Ally’s lower shipping weight.”
The Ally also uses a non-cotton-based atomizer with a quartz heating element and ceramic insulator system that protects the oil from rapid changes, so the end-user gets excellent flavor all the way through. “We’ve had great success with our full-gram pods, various thicker oils, and rosins,” Demetre notes.
How can interested parties test TerpLogic hardware? The best way is to get samples through their website. “Pick up one of our sample kits for a very nominal fee, and, if that’s a great price for you already, you’ll be excited to know that our wholesale pricing jumps down drastically from that price point,” Demetre says. “We are working with Vape-Jet to help provide potential customers with samples so you can test our product partnership.” With other exciting announcements on the horizon, be sure to follow TerpLogic’s Instagram and website for updates.
Provide Optimal Cartridge-Filling Solutions for Your Customers with Vape-Jet x TerpLogic
With Demetre’s deep knowledge of Vape-Jet vape cartridge automation, our partnership with TerpLogic is a great route for companies looking for a streamlined workflow that decreases overhead, increases throughput, and provides premium user experiences with high-quality oil vaporizing hardware.
Have your own questions for Demetre? Find him at the Vape-Jet booth (#6851) at MJBizCon November 16-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada!
If you are interested in providing the highest-quality product for your customers, reach out to our crew to learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Early on, our team at Vape-Jet recognized that developing superior products for our customers meant working with like-minded companies who prioritize cannabis expertise. That’s why we structured our Vape-Jet Partner Program to provide customers with seamless hardware solutions that maximize the efficiency of their fully-automatic Vape-Jet or semi-automatic Jet Fueler workflow. Teaming up with Advanced Vapor Devices (AVD) was an obvious choice. This partnership creates a streamlined vape and cartridge filling system that makes it easier than ever to produce at scale. AVD cartridges are among Vape-Jet’s most frequently filled vape cartridges. We also share core company values like equipment accessibility, advanced customer support, and hardware reliability.
“AVD’s commitment to consistency, innovation, and quality control is the reason all Vape-Jet systems get pre-shipped with AVD profiles. Their hardware is what we use for final validation because we can count on it to be reliable.”
Ryan Hoitt, Vape-Jet CEO
AVD: Industry-Leading Technology that Delivers Flavor and Reliability
Innovation backed by expertise. After cultivating decades of cannabis knowledge, AVD understands the relationship between cannabis extraction, formulation, absorption, and heating. This allows them to develop a superior vaporization delivery experience trusted by hundreds of cannabis oil brands across North America.
As a leading vaporizer technology company, AVD provides:
No-Burn Technology™ — designed exclusively for the cannabis extract industry for true-to-strain flavor, terpene and cannabinoid preservation
Reliable Technology — with an almost zero failure rate.
Cannabis Expertise — 20+ years of cannabis industry experience and extensive QA protocols for premium user experiences.
Rapid Stock Replenishment – stock orders fulfilled in 1-3 days and custom orders in 4-6 weeks.
Post-Sales Support — the industry’s longest 180-day end-user warranty backed by knowledgeable North American-based support.
Quit burning your oil with carts that run too hot.
Overheating cannabis obliterates the terpenes and the very essence of the plant that makes each strain unique and flavorful.
AVD recognized that live resins, sauces, and full-spectrum extracts need consistent low heat to prevent burning and preserve terpenes. That’s why AVD cartridges and batteries are crafted with No-Burn Technology™.
Every AVD cart and battery is specifically engineered to provide consistent heat to deliver incredible flavor and keep terpenes and cannabinoids intact. Delivering this type of quality for their customers has secured AVD’s reputation as one of the most trusted vape cartridge providers in the market. In addition to their products’ incredible reliability, AVD’s total control over their raw material supply chain ensures that inventory shortages and long lead times are a thing of the past. That’s a huge win during an era of global supply chain disruptions.
Driven by Innovation
No-Burn Technology™
After thousands of hours of R&D, testing, and quality control, AVD’s patented No-Burn Technology™ is at the heart of every AVD cartridge. This industry-leading science creates a safe and superior sensory experience with every hit. With SmartPulse™ Power Control, even long smoking sessions are heated smoothly from the first hit to the last.
AVD EZ Click™ Solutions
EZ Click™ hardware represents one of the proprietary technologies that make AVD so special. With this 50-at-a-time, snap-on filling and capping system, EZ Click™ cartridges are designed for rapid high-end, automated vape cartridge production at scale. Because our Vape-Jet works extensively with the EZ Click™ line, no capper is required, meaning lower costs for end-users. In short, when you pair AVD EZ Click™ cartridges with Vape-Jet automation, you have one of the most optimized vape cartridge productions on the planet.
AVD EZ Click™ Cartridges
AVD Glass EZ Click™ — The industry’s first glass cartridge designed for rapid filling and capping.
AVD All-Ceramic EZ Click™ — Using Zirconia medical-grade ceramic, AVD’s all-ceramic cartridge is designed for premium oils and chemically inert for exceptionally clean flavors.
GoodCarts by AVD – Built for less complex oils like distillates, botanical terpene blends, Delta-8, and other novelty cannabinoids. GoodCarts Glass and Polyresin EZ Click™ Cartridges come pre-racked in two trays of 50 units each and are put through the same rigorous quality control practices that you would expect from AVD.
GoodCarts Glass EZ Click™ Cartridge
GoodCarts Polyresin EZ Click™ Cartridge
Once capped, all AVD and GoodCart vape cartridges are non-refillable and tamper-resistant, which is critical for selling to highly regulated markets.
Mouthpieces
Choose from 20 distinctive mouthpieces to create a unique vaping experience and set the tone for your brand. AVD mouthpieces are compatible with all AVD cartridges.
Disposables
AVD all-in-one cartridges offer discretion and convenience to users, but they also let you take control over the way your oils are heated for the best vaping experience possible.
GoodCarts Disposable — Quartz core and flavor retention using power-wave modulation.
Batteries
Your consumers will enjoy a superior vaping experience by pairing AVD’s cartridges with their universal 510-thread batteries.
AVD Stik Battery with SmartPulse™ technology, high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and universal 510 thread.
AVD Seed Battery with SmartPulse™, high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and haptic vibration feedback for intuitive use.
AVD Alpha Pen with SmartPulse™,high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and a discrete removable cap.
AVD Stik Button Battery with SmartPulse™, push–button activation, and three voltage settings for flavor, well-rounded, and cloud experiences.
Make it Your Own with AVD Design House
AVD Design House offers superior customization options to match your unique brand personality.
Premium Customizations — exclusive form factors that differentiate your brand to stand out on the dispensary shelf.
Vape-Jet x AVD
As two tech-driven companies at the leading edge of the cannabis vaporizer industry, our partnership with AVD has many benefits for our customers:
Seamless Cartridge Production — unlock end-to-end efficiency with Vape-Jet filling and capping automation and AVD’s reliable, designed-to-scale hardware.
Proprietary Technology — backed by decades of cannabis, chemistry, and engineering knowledge, Vape-Jet and AVD both navigate the cannabis space with innovation and quality at the forefront.
Expert Support — both the Vape-Jet and AVD teams are available for expert product support and guidance with superior customer service.
Tested in the Field — Vape-Jet partners are thoroughly vetted for hardware compliance and integration with our products. Just ask our customers.
Precision Calibrated — protect your oil with two companies that don’t take shortcuts. Rigorous R&D and quality testing goes into every product delivered by both AVD and Vape-Jet to ensure the best possible end product.
Dependable Supply — Vape-Jet and AVD emphasize strict inventory management and in-house development, allowing total control of stock inventory. Exceptional lead times and reduced product delays decreases your stock outage risks and maintains your products consistently on the shelf.
Customer Success
True North Collective MI
Maybe you’ve read our customer feature with the good folks in Michigan at True North Collective. For those who haven’t, True North’s dedication to safety, compliance, and consistency makes their cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates some of the highest quality products out there.
The team at True North Collective are devoted users of Vape-Jet’s vape cartridge-filling machines – not only for their reliability and speed, but for their ability to scale. This allows them to meet demand at a moment’s notice.
With their move to Vape-Jet cartridge-filling automation, True North also switched to AVD EZ Click™ cartridges for a seamless production workflow.
Distillation Director Joey Stutz reports, “We did R&D on a bunch of different disposables, pods, and other carts that aren’t EZ Click™. Ultimately the best flavor came from the EZ Click™ AVD [cartridges].”
So, if you were still on the fence about combining Vape-Jet and AVD hardware, True North’s success might help ease your mind. After all, True North Collective couldn’t be happier with the quality oil they can offer their customers, which allows them to scale in a highly competitive market.
Punch Edibles
At Punch Edibles, the partnership potential of Vape-Jet x AVD quality is no secret either. To get the inside scoop, we spoke with Lab Director Brennan Beasley, who uses AVD EZ Click™ Cartridges, combined with AVD’s EZ Click™ jig, a Vape-Jet fully-automatic for filling, and the Squish-o-Matic 1000for capping.
“Vape-Jet makes filling our AVD cartridges seamless,” Brennan says.“The technology of the two together provides an elevated filling experience with little to zero downtime.”
As Brennan explains, “[Combining AVD and Vape-Jet products] allow us to fill with precision and provide our customers with an end product that expresses all the qualities we are trying to preserve. I recommend Vape-Jet and AVD hardware for anyone serious about keeping the quality of their product intact, volume filling, and having the best support in the market.”
Perfect Your Production Process
If you are interested in taking your production to the next level, while providing a premium product for your customers, reach out to our crew to find out how AVD and Vape-Jet together provide a seamless solution for your production needs.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
For cannabis oil producers, the importance of CO2 cannot be understated. As the primary solvent in one of the most popular cannabis oil extraction methods in the industry today, the recent CO2 shortage has profound implications for oil production processes. With so much volatility in the market, let’s take some time to think about this CO2 dilemma and propose some solutions so oil producers can keep meeting customer demand while maintaining the same high-quality products consumers deserve.
How did this CO2 Shortage Begin?
As with any global shift in market availability, the reasons for the current CO2 situation are varied. Perhaps most significantly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created extensive oil and natural gas supply interruptions in Europe, leading to volatile petrochemical and agricultural markets which directly affect fertilizer production, of which food grade CO2 is a byproduct.
This market uncertainty, tied to lack of supply, has already affected other industries close to cannabis. In the brewing industry, for instance, the impact of the CO2 shortage is already playing out, leading to increased input costs which have numerous upstream and downstream workflow ramifications.
The Significance of CO2 for Vape Cartridge Producers
The benefits of using CO2 for cannabis oil extraction are well-documented, but it’s worth revisiting just how vital CO2 is for vape cartridge production.
As the most common solvent for Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), CO2 earns its place because of multiple factors:
It is one of the safest non-polar solvents
It is more dependable during SFE for preserving the compounds found in cannabis
It can pull various cannabinoids from the plant through fractioning
When Will the Cannabis Oil Extraction Industry Feel the Shortage?
“[CO2 demand] from the cannabis industry, for cannabinoid and terpene extraction, [has] been growing quickly, and not enough new capacity is coming online to compensate.” – Craig Bettenhausen, “US faces CO2 shortage”
The worlds of cannabis production and retail are accustomed to fluctuating markets. Most post-legalization markets, for example, overinvest in production capacity leading to wholesale cost reductions. Dealing with lower prices isn’t new, and it usually leads to consolidation and restructuring until the supply and demand for cannabis come back into alignment. How is this CO2 shortage different, and how is it similar?
Well, although it can be difficult to predict when and how certain industries will react to a decreased CO2 supply, there are some reasonable expectations of when we will start seeing the shortage affect the cannabis industry.
The first people to feel the CO2 supply shortage will be grow and cannabis oil extraction facilities, especially when natural gas and oil consumption spike in winter (Butane Hash Oil extractors will likely feel this pain as well). Accordingly, all cannabis flower, extract, and distillate will probably see cost increases by the end of 2022, which will squeeze profit margins on vape cartridges.
Of course, this spike in the price of natural gas during wintertime will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased gas exports to Europe from North America. As energy costs inflate due to decreased supply and increased demand, input costs for cannabis cultivation, extraction, and refinement will rise, ultimately yielding lower margins on cannabis products across the board and increasingly small returns.
In short, with high electricity costs, high CO2 costs, and high butane costs, every step in the cannabis product chain will be affected.
So, What’s the Solution?
“Wholesale and retail marijuana prices continue to fall in most states, with production often outpacing consumption… The glut of cannabis products and brands have retailers in many states increasingly discounting their merchandise in hopes of shrinking bulging inventories and boosting sales amid growing competition.” – Andrew Long, “Midyear State Cannabis Sales a Mixed Bag Across the United States”
With such clear indicators of pesky inflation and increased input costs on the horizon, we ought to think of some solutions. After all, we shouldn’t just read this information and run to the closest bar. It’s what we do with the information going forward and how we use it to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the uncertainty that matters.
So, what can you do?
Solution 01: Invest in Automation
As input costs rise due to CO2 and other raw materials—and oversupply issues continue for the cannabis industry—prices will continue falling, ultimately squeezing out many operators with high costs and low returns. In other words, cost reduction is key,and reducing labor costs with automation may be the only way to compete.
Luckily, this solution is our specialty. At Vape-Jet, we manufacture the most advanced fully-automated (Vape–Jet) and semi-automated (Jet Fueler) vape cartridge-filling systems on the market. In fact, we’ve discussed how vape cartridge automation is one of the most proactive, crucial investments you can make in your cartridge filling process quite a bit.
As Krista Raymer writes in her article, “to combat price compression, cannabis retailers can use psychology and consumer behavior tendencies to guide them toward certain products or shopping patterns. One important tactic to do this is through the lens of price perception.”
Krista lists three strategies cannabis companies can use to stay ahead: ‘visualization of pricing,’ ‘in-store signage,’ and ‘insignificant numbers.’ Read detailed descriptions of these strategies in “Dispensary Pricing Strategy: How to Combat Price Compression.”
Solution 03: Solventless Cannabis Oil Extraction
As we discussed earlier, CO2 is a dependable solvent for Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). But what if you moved your workflow away from solvents? Well, it is safe to assume that solventless processes will see a significant boost if solvents inflate high enough. If you want to learn more about this cannabis oil extraction method and how it affects production, product quality, and operation costs, start with this article—“Extracting the Bottom Line.”
And That’s Where We Come In
As we watch the CO2 shortage impact other industries around us, cannabis businesses should start preparing for the necessary strategies (cultivation, production, sales, etc.) to combat the inevitable results of price increases in our industry. Automation is one of the most straightforward ways to set your business up for success now and especially when uncertainty starts affecting the markets on which we depend.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Optimizing Your Cartridge-Filler with Our Six Star Service
When it comes to investing in technology, especially automated technology, it can be difficult to put a price on product support. In the cannabis industry, moving to vape cartridge automation can feel like a big step with many unknowns. Luckily, with Vape-Jet, you’re never flying solo.
With our Six Star approach to product service and support, we work with our customers to improve their workflows, troubleshoot issues, predict maintenance needs, and even integrate their design suggestions into our machines. We believe pairing our advanced cartridge-filling technology with fast, accessible product support is the best way to ensure every person involved, from vape producer to end-user, is satisfied.
See how our Six Star approach affects our customers and streamlines post-sales support:
What is a consultative approach? For us, it means building an informed relationship with our customers that takes a holistic view of their operation. This relationship begins with our sales process, which focuses on your business’s particular needs. In fact, we won’t suggest investing in a Vape-Jet fully automatic cartridge-filling machine unless it’s the right fit for your production demands.
As part of our consultative approach, we leverage the combined knowledge and experience of our team to discuss not only your filling and packaging needs but your hardware challenges and process bottlenecks. Our aim—through our vape cartridge-filling machines and industry experience—is always to increase the efficiency of your entire production. Our resident cannabis chemist, Devon Reid, will even diagnose your product formulations or extraction process and offer suggestions for improvement.
Post Sales
Shipping your brand new fully-automatic Vape-Jet, semi-automatic Jet Fueler, or Squish-o-Matic 1000 is only half our sales process. The other half begins when the equipment ships to your facility.
Our dedicated product support team will guide you through onboarding and shipping. So, when your machine arrives, your team is prepped and ready for installation.
The Vape-Jet HelpDesk allows you to submit support tickets, coordinate remote installations, request hardware compatibility reports, report errors, schedule meetings, and more.
You’ll receive unlimited training and hardware calibration assistance
Did we mention that our industry-leading Vape-Jet support team boastssame-day response times? And that’s just the beginning of getting your filling process on the right track.
Remote Access
There is nothing quite like hands-on technical support when you need it most. That’s why—in addition to its machine vision alignment camera—each Vape-Jet fully-automatic cartridge-filler comes equipped with an internal system overview camera.
Using the system overview camera in conjunction with Microsoft Teams, our engineers will walk you through installation, training, machine calibration (per your specific oil needs), and any support needs as if they were physically by your side. That means no matter where your operation is located, our expert team of in-house engineers can diagnose and troubleshoot machine errors and misconfigurations.
A look at the Vape-Jet product support team at work using remote access to help customers through needle calibration and support.
Proactive Maintenance
When it comes to automation, you want to partner with a business that cares about constantly improving their machines in the field. With advanced platforms like our Vape-Jet fully-automatic and Jet Fueler semi-automatic cartridge-filler, our technical team can actively manage and support our entire fleet of machines from HQ. This means we are constantly reviewing data reports, analyzing equipment configurations, looking out for repeat errors, and guiding businesses on how they can optimize the performance of their machine. In short, with proactive guidance, our team saves your operators from wasting time and product.
The Vape-Jet support dashboard showing an overview of all active machines in the field, which allows our product support technicians to proactively monitor the fleet.
What is Active Deployment?
Active deployment means we are constantly working to improve our software based on customer feedback. As a partnership focused on quality vape cartridge production, we listen to our customers, regularly adding new features, custom modifications, and software updates to ensure your vape cartridge-filling machine runs as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
Vape-JetService Warranty & Response Times
We know how important it is to keep your machines running at their best so you can continue offering optimal solutions for your customers. That’s why all Vape-Jet filling and capping machines include a renewable one-year warranty with a service level agreement. This agreement includes access to our dedicated support team, free troubleshooting and how-to articles, self-guided repair and maintenance documentation (including manuals for our Vape-Jet, Jet Fueler, and Squish-o-Matic), and so much more.
Need urgent support? Our support response times are as quick as 15 minutes and always the same business day. As Joey Stutz from True North Collective MI explains, “Anytime we have an issue, I go online or send a support message, and they’re on it within a day. If it’s super time-sensitive. Just the other day, we had an issue with the needle, and they got on within 30-45 minutes. Customer service is great.”
We will also provide free overnight shipping for any materials or parts you need to get your operation back online as swiftly as possible. “You guys are very responsive and get parts overnighted,” Kimberly Long from Terrapin Care Station says. “I come in and fix [the Vape-Jet], and we get things going.”
Customer Feedback Integration
We recognize that our customers are the best resource we have for improving our machines. In fact, several features of our vape cartridge-filling machines are the result of customer feedback, including:
Automated workflow improvements
Multi-shot dispensing options for tinctures
Non-standard fill pattern optimization for irregular trays
“Best filling machine out there, not just because of the technology and efficiency of the machines, but because of the people in this company and the support they continuously provide. You can’t put a price on what you get with Vape-Jet.” – Vertical Supply Company
If you’re looking for an automated vape cartridge-filling solution provider that embraces achieving more together, then you should see how we can optimize your operation for the long haul and contact our sales team today.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
At Vape-Jet, our team has spent the last four years developing our filling technology to create the most versatile, advanced vape cartridge-filling machine on the market. With compatibility being a major demand in the industry, we’ve focused on delivering the ultimate freedom of choice for our customers. That’s why our filling machines work with many styles of 510 cartridges, pods, and disposables, so our customers can make their vape hardware selections with confidence.
But why stop there?
So far, we’ve chosen to recommend hardware manufacturers based solely on our customers’ experiences. And while our customers provide valuable feedback, we decided to take things a step further and really dial in compatible hardware vendors to assure the highest quality filling operation for Vape-Jet users. With the new Vape-Jet Partner Program, we’ve done just that.
Vape-Jet hardware partners are thoroughly vetted by our team, extensively QA-tested in the field, and are dedicated to optimizing their hardware to run seamlessly on our equipment. With this program, we will provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution for all your vape production needs, from hardware to filling to capping.This is the future of vape cartridge production.
Our First Official Vape Hardware Partner:CILICON
What makes a true partnership work? A shared set of values and the desire to achieve more together. By partnering with CILICON, we recognize a company with a similar drive for innovation and technology that made our equipment so successful in the field. Equally as important, CILICON shares our belief that by working together, rather than competing, we can do more to help our customers achieve success.
By focusing our efforts on collaboration, we combine our industry-leading automated filling machines with CILICON’s extensive product catalog and enhanced market analysis to inform future hardware designs. But that’s not all. With guaranteed hardware compatibility and standard operating procedures, your vape-filling experience has never been easier or more efficient.
Optimize your vape-filling process with confidence using Vape-Jet x CILICON as a one-stop solution for all your production needs, from filling to capping, with the flexibility of choosing a fully-automatic Vape-Jet or semi-automatic Jet Fueler.
Streamlined Workflow: Reduced communication, manufacturing, and labor costs
Cutting out the middleman and working together directly creates the ultimate cost-effective workflow with fewer delays and lower communication, manufacturing, and labor costs.
Our teams have worked tirelessly to set and confirm optimal hardware compatibility, so you don’t have to. See compatible hardware.
Standardized Operating Procedures: Tailored hardware support
Effortless filling begins with automated workflows and precise documentation specifically for each hardware type.
Unified Mission: Collaboration over competition
Why waste time and energy competing when we can achieve better results together? As strategic partners, our sole focus is customer success.
Cutting-Edge Innovation: Driven by technology
Two businesses built on a foundation of independently developed equipment and informed by real-world data analysis.
How Vape-Jet x CILICON Supported Fernway’s “Traveler Collection”
At Vape-Jet, we want the best results for our customers. That’s why real-world success is one of the most important components of our new Hardware Partner Program. Recently, we worked with CILICON on the successful release of Fernway’s new Traveler collection.
Who is Fernway? Fernway is a cannabis oil and hardware provider located in Northampton, Massachusetts. Partnering with CILICON to design the ultimate recyclable, all-in-one cannabis vape makes perfect sense when you consider Fernway’s emphasis on providing high-quality cannabis products. Since Fernway is also a devoted Vape-Jet user (we said they ‘emphasized providing high-quality cannabis products,’ right?), we reached out to get the inside scoop.
Q.What product launch did you develop with CILICON and Vape-Jet? A.“This month, Fernway launched the Traveler Collection, Massachusetts’ first recyclable all-in-one vape product, available in 0.3g and 0.7g sizes.”
Q.What challenges did you face during this process, and how did these brands work together to help you overcome them? A. “Despite the new form factor, the CILICON and Vape-Jet teams worked together to rapidly design and produce a custom filling solution that allows us to fill the TRAVELER devices just as efficiently as our 510 cartridges.”
Q. What was your customer experience while bringing this product to market? A. “CILICON and Vape-Jet have both supported Fernway with excellent customer service by being responsive to issues and proactively working with us to improve our product and processes. Any time we have an issue with our equipment, the Vape-Jet team is just a phone call/video call away to resolve our issues, and their ability to remote into the machines from their office has proved invaluable to diagnose new issues.”
“By having Vape-Jet and CILICON work together to launch the Traveler, we were able to shorten our launch schedule by more than 6 weeks.”
#notadroptowaste
As your integrated vape-filling solution provider, CILICON x Vape-Jet are determined to protect your oil with the finest hardware because, when it comes to filling oil, there is #notadroptowaste.
If you are interested in becoming another success story and providing the highest-quality product for your customers, reach out to our crew to learn how CILICON and Vape-Jet can work together to elevate your vape-filling operation.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements including more CILICON x Vape-Jet customer features to come. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
When it comes to offering transformative solutions for your customers, you have to embrace a growth mindset that challenges the status quo. Every day, our team at Vape-Jet has lived by this ethos, and we love when others do too. That’s why it should be no surprise that today, we’re focusing on True North Collective—an unapologetically authentic purveyor of craft cannabis products.
As one of Michigan’s premier cannabis brands, you can bet that the True North Collective (TNC) team doesn’t take any shortcuts. Since 2019, they’ve emphasized the healing potential of cannabis and have cultivated multi-award-winning products for medical and recreational users alike.
With three brands in the TNC family, it didn’t take long before their vape cartridge-filling production needed a boost. Most importantly, this wasn’t a time to take shortcuts with their operation. Recognizing the innovation and quality behind Vape-Jet products reflected their own high standards, Vape-Jet automation and True North Collective were a perfect match. TNC decided to invest in our Vape-Jet 3.0 fully automatic and a Jet Fueler 2.0 semi-automatic filler, and that’s where our story begins.
This week, we sat down with TNC-Michigan’s Distillation Director, Joey Stutz to see how their operation had changed since acquiring our cartridge-filling machines:
Vape-Jet in action at True North Collective’s Michigan facility.
Before and After
Before investing in their first Vape-Jet, TNC was filling cartridges by hand with a generic cartridge-filling gun. Since there were no heating elements in the filling gun, fill techs had to heat the oil separately. With this heating variable added to an already physically intensive filling process, TNC had to dedicate up to six employees at a time for filling and capping, which limited them to filling 50-100 cartridges at a time and up to 1,000-2,000 a day.
And after they bought a Vape-Jet?
With the Vape-Jet they can fill about 4,000 distillate cartridges per day—and that’s with one person for filling and capping. Needless to say, that was a huge improvement over hand-filling!
With the speed and precision of a Vape-Jet in their facility, TNC saw an opportunity to use our semi-automatic Jet Fueler to generate new products, like a line of premium sauce cartridges coming to market soon. For businesses looking to accelerate their growth by adding product lines—or rapidly boosting their throughput to meet demand and enter new markets—the flexibility of a Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler tandem is highly effective.
With their move to Vape-Jet automation, TNC also switched to AVD EazyPress cartridges (one of Vape-Jet’s most filled hardware suppliers) for a seamless production workflow. “We did R&D on a bunch of different disposables, pods, and other carts that aren’t EasyPress, but ultimately the best flavor came from the EasyPress AVD [cartridges],” Joey says.
Labor Cost
By switching to Vape-Jet, True North Collective reduced its labor needs by 83% while doubling its production output.
“The Vape-Jet is automated, so you need someone in the room watching it, but they can also be doing something else while the machine is running itself. It’s not like that person is just dedicated to filling the entire time or just dedicated to one other process. The machine makes it so that one person can get carts ready, they can get the oil ready for the carts and mix the terpenes into it, they can watch the machine and cap at the same time. [The Vape-Jet] makes it very easy for us to reduce the amount of labor overall,” Joey says. “We don’t even have to use the VJ every day right now because it can fill so many, and it’s so efficient.”
What about fill accuracy? Any improvement there?
Although their hand-filling operator was very skilled and experienced, it would have been difficult if they had to train someone new. “Whereas the Vape-Jet comes in, and you just work a computer a little bit, and you’re good to go,” Joey says. “There’s not a lot of skill required to operate this machine, just knowledge.”
Creating an extensive, easily accessed online product support library has been, and remains, a main focus for the Vape-Jet team. With an abundance of resources for new Vape-Jet users and veterans alike, folks can easily find:
Joey emphasizes this comprehensive approach to product support as a key component of the success TNC has had with their machines. “Anytime we have an issue, I go online or send a support message, and they’re on it within a day. If it’s super time-sensitive,” Joey continues, “[Vape-Jet support] is right on it. Just the other day, we had an issue with the needle, and they got on within 30-45 minutes. Customer service is great.”
Operator Tips from Joey
For faster changeover between batches, make sure to purchase an extra reservoir for oil so you can have it ready as soon as your cleaning cycle ends. You can also get a DropTank Oil Preheater to perform hot swaps and save more time.
Try to run the same cannabis strain back-to-back so you don’t have to wait for the cleaning process.
Always be aware if the nitrogen is connected or disconnected to the oil reservoir (depending on the task at hand) because it can make a huge mess.
Why Vape-Jet?
Ease of use
“I really like the efficiency of your machine. You literally just put the brick in there,it fills the brick, and then you take the brick out. It’s that easy,” Joey explains. “Every other machine that we saw was a little bit more manual or had some other things that you had to do to them.”
Operation Consistency
“I also liked that the Vape-Jet was a single fill vs. filling 100 cartridges at one time because I’ve never seen that work correctly.”
Pricing
“The price is excellent. It’s probably 50-66% the cost of the machines that claim they can do a similar amount.” And that’s without getting into fill repeatability, where the Vape–Jet outpaces all competitors with a fill variability of±0.25%. That’s more precise than a single drop of oil!
Look
“And,” Joey emphasizes, “it looks cool! It’s something that when someone is touring the facility, they look at it and they’re like ‘That looks pretty cool!’ instead of a big clunky machine just sitting there that we have to explain what it does.”
“10/10 Would Recommend”
Before we said goodbye, we asked Joey how likely he was to recommend our vape cartridge-filling machines to others: “10/10—would recommend,” Joey said. We can’t ask for a better score than that!
As they look to ramp up production soon (and possibly bring another Vape-Jet on board), we wish True North Collective the very best moving forward. We couldn’t be happier to watch their customer-centered focus on quality pay off. We also want to thank Joey Stutz for taking the time to speak with us and share his unique insights. It’s always a pleasure speaking with other folks who are passionate about cannabis and process development.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Establishing a Manufacturing Network in the United States
At Vape-Jet, we are proud of our relationships with American businesses. While we have—and continue to—work with hand-picked international vendors, every business in our network recognizes Vape-Jet’s commitment to sourcing quality parts and the importance of building strong relationships with fellow US-based manufacturers. Additionally, our customers know that every Vape-Jet and Jet-Fueler are not only hand-built and QA tested on-site, but backed by customized, on-demand support from our team of engineers in Portland, Oregon.
Why is this so important? Because using products sourced from the US is not only great for our communities, it also allows us to rapidly develop our vape cartridge-filling solutions. By pushing the limits of what’s possible with our network of partners, we’ve perfected innovation and implementation strategies that keep our equipment on the cutting edge of cartridge-filling automation.
As a result, every investment in Vape-Jet equipment is an investment in a network of US-based manufacturers and suppliers working together to engineer the future of vape cartridge production. Working with this network:
Keeps Us Agile—we can scale our processes, pivot to alternative components, and innovate faster.
Lowers Shipping Costs—with reduced supply chain, shipping, and storage costs, we can pass logistics savings along to our customers.
Creates More Jobs—providing employment, training, and skill development opportunities for Americans looking to break into new industries.
Reduces Our Environmental Impact—less shipping, less emissions (not to mention strict e-cycling standards).
This month, we teamed up with some of our suppliers to discuss the importance of US-based partnerships from a wider perspective. We asked them to tell us about their company, how their relationship with Vape-Jet has grown, and what they thought of American-made manufacturing.
Brad White, Senior Mechanical Engineer from N.B. Oler
N.B. Oler manufactures the stainless-steel reservoirs on our Vape-Jet and Jet-Fueler.
About N.B. Oler
We are an Oregon-based stainless steel fabrication company focused on manufacturing the highest quality products and services. We specialize in pressure vessels, process optimization, and custom fabrication in the pharmaceutical, cannabis, and food and beverage industries.
N.B. Oler & Vape-Jet
We started fabricating components for Vape-Jet in 2019 and have witnessed the progression of their product capabilities through the sophisticated application of engineering and R&D efforts. Vape-Jet is producing some of the most innovative products in the cannabis industry, and it is exciting to be innovating with such a talented team.
Vape-Jet has always been responsive, professional, and fantastic with collaboration.
Why Prioritize American-made?
At N.B. Oler, we know American manufacturers provide some of the most consistent, highest-quality parts available. As a producer of high-end pressure vessels, it’s essential we source the highest quality components not only for functionality but, more importantly, for the safety of our customers. We also fabricate all our vessels in the USA and remain dedicated to working with other US-based businesses.
We believe in supporting American business and the American worker as we continue to drive innovation in the modern economy.
We assemble wire harnesses, cables, and other electrical assemblyservices for multiple industries, including the semiconductor and UAV/Aerial surveillance industries.
As you have probably guessed, we provide the internal wiring and cabling for Vape-Jet machines. Our experience with the Vape-Jet team has been very collaborative, and we are grateful to be a part of the process. Working with everyone (emphasis on with) at V-J headquarters has allowed us to move collectively toward a polished final product.
Why Prioritize American-made?
At Bridgeview, this is one of our primary concerns. We have a wealth of experience working with overseas manufacturing, and—while that approach might be appropriate for stable, established commodity items—for complex and specialized products, there is no substitute for domestic suppliers who are responsive, communicative, and closeby.
The bottom line—when you are working with time-sensitive products that are continually evolving—there is no substitute for buying local.
Trisha Turner, Black Label Metal
Black Label Metal manufactures the all-metal heat box and external panels on our Vape-Jet.
About Black Label Metal
Located at the center of Hillsboro’s technology community, Black Label Metal serves the retail industry and the needs of Pacific Northwest high-tech, creative agencies with world-class fabrication and finishing. From international leaders to smaller, local businesses, we show our customers the same level of respect and attention.
There are many ways to describe what we do, but the truth is: we simplyspecialize in getting the job done. For us, that means delivering high-quality products on schedule and on budget every time. No variation, no excuses. At Black Label Metal, the success of our clients is more important than winning another job ticket. We won’t take a job if we can’t complete it the right way.
Our skills run deep, so we take projects from concept to completion. We find that this process reduces the burden on our customers, who shouldn’t have to manage the complex workflow of a fabrication project.
Black Label Metal & Vape-Jet
In October, Vape-Jet came to us looking for a partner to help make their concepts a reality. With our expertise and Vape-Jet’s vision, we worked together to streamline and improve existing designs. It was a perfect match! Black Label delivered what Vape-Jet was looking for in the timeline they desired. That’s a team win.
We know that the Vape-Jet team is always looking to improve their existing products and, just as adamantly, develop new ones. It has been impressive to witness and be a part of Vape-Jet’s growth, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their process.
At Black Label Metal, we look forward to continuing to build our relationship and grow with Vape-Jet in the coming years.
Jim Bruno, Global Director at IVEK
IVEK manufacturers the valves that ensure fast flow rates on our Vape-Jet.
About IVEK
IVEK provides products and solutions for applications requiring high precision fluidic capabilities. In business since 1979, IVEK serves both production dispensing automation companies and a broad range of fluidic-based OEM instrument companies.
IVEK & Vape-Jet
Our experience working with Vape-Jet over the past 2.5 years has been terrific. Vape-Jet came to IVEK with a new valve idea (that was certainly in our wheelhouse), and working together, we designed the optimal component for IVEK to manufacture. Even though the prototypes took a bit longer than anticipated, the Vape-Jet Team was extremely cooperative and understanding. Now we are in full production with this valve, and its performance to date has been a great improvement over the previous version.
Why Prioritize American-made?
As a global supplier, we are proud to meet the demands of our worldwide customer base. However, since we are a Vermont-based company—founded on the principle of entrepreneurship and working hard to fulfill the ideals we believe in—it is great working with companies like Vape-Jet, who are also eager to push forward with products they are passionate about. With so much pressure to outsource ideas and designs, working with start-ups that decide to build their own products in-house is very rewarding for IVEK.
We are proud to be a key vendor for Vape-Jet.
Chase Kloehn, Vice President of MK Fluidic Systems
MK Fluidics manufactures the syringe on our Vape-Jet.
About MK Fluidic Systems
At MK, we partner with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to help engineer and manufacture high-quality fluid control components. Our products include precision glass barrel syringes, rotary valves, tubing assemblies, probes, and complete service kits used with laboratory equipment.
MK Fluidic Systems & Vape-Jet
We worked with the Vape-Jet team to engineer some custom syringes for their cartridge filling machines. Vape-Jet’s team members were a fantastic group to work with. We’ve been working together since 2020, and it’s been a very smooth and productive process.
Why Prioritize American-made?
Our company is glad to have the opportunity to both buy from and sell to other US-based businesses. We find that not only is it sound business to have near and robust supply chains, but it’s socially responsible to keep valuable skills and jobs in the US market that might otherwise be lost.
Jeremy Golden, Design Engineer from Tutco–Farnam
Tutco-Farnam manufactures the environmental control heaters on our Vape-Jet.
About Tutco-Farnam
Here at Tutco-Farnam Custom Products we have had the opportunity to provide customized heating solutions to a wide range of customers: everyone from NASA to back-yard innovators. If it gets hot, Tutco-Farnam probably had something to do with it.
Tutco-Farnam & Vape-Jet
With any project, communication is key. Vape-Jet has always had a good open line of communication. I was assigned to this particular project about two years ago. This is not the first project we have collaborated with Vape-Jet on, and it surely will not be the last. Vape-Jet is organized, resourceful, and a great partner to have.
Why Prioritize American-made?
When dealing with such a diverse customer base from around the world, it is always a challenge to see the final application up close. US-based companies that bring their design a little closer to home give us all the opportunity to take the best steps forward. I guess you could say: feedback is the biggest benefit of working with your neighbors.
Learn More About Vape-Jet
A sincere thanks to all our partners who made this blog and, most importantly, our vision for Vape-Jet a reality. We look forward to continuing to grow together and building the best products for our customers.
If you want to experience the greatness of your own Vape-Jet, all you need to do is drop us a line. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
In the cannabis industry, starting your business with a solid, growth-oriented foundation is critical to your success. With increasing competition and demand, you might only get one shot to impress consumers—that’s why we say every cartridge counts.
In our last customer feature, we saw how Vape-Jet automation is crucial to scalability, even ramping up to produce 5,000-6,000 vape cartridges in a single eight-hour shift. But there’s no point in going fast if you can’t ensure product quality and safety; that’s why our industry-leading fill repeatability (±0.25%) is vital, ensuring every cartridge is uniform while meeting the highest possible standards.
Sounds too good to be true, right? Luckily, our friends C3 Industries are here to back us up. We love C3 because they respect cannabis consumers—no shortcuts, no filler, just premium quality products. Before they became a multi-state business (with locations in Michigan, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Missouri), C3 Industries launched in 2018 in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Within six months their flower, concentrates and vape cartridge brand, Cloud Cover, became one of the top five indoor flower brands in Oregon. As fellow Oregonians, we were stoked!
Clearly, C3 was something special, so it wasn’t long before they opened a cultivation and manufacturing center in Webberville, Michigan (followed by several High Profile retail stores). With four Vape-Jets in service and a new production facility in Massachusetts on the way, we decided to check in on how things were going.
Enter: the heroes behind C3’s vape cartridge production, Senior Operations Manager Kevin Duplissis, and Inventory & Packaging Technician Jeremy Torrez.
Although they’ve used Vape-Jet equipment for a long time (since the Vape-Jet 1.0 days), there was a period when hand-filling was the name of the game.
‘How was that experience?’ we asked. “Painful,” Jeremy responds. As a premier, vertically-integrated cannabis cultivator, processor, and retailer, C3 wanted to reduce variability in their workflow from start to finish. This obviously included hand-filling cartridges, so switching to a state-of-the-art vape cartridge-filling machine was the only way forward. Now, “we’re heavily invested in the Vape-Jet ecosystem,” Kevin says. “We have one here [in Michigan], one on its way to Missouri, one in Massachusetts, and one in Oregon.”
As you’d expect, C3 Industries was (and continues to be) a huge influence on our equipment. In fact, C3’s experiences with older Vape-Jet models informed several of the upgrades and changes in the 3.0 they’re running now. As both a witness to—and an integral part of—our evolution as a company, C3’s loyalty to our products is the best endorsement we could receive, showing how a focus on quality cannabis is always a worthwhile endeavor.
Let’s Talk Details
Previously filling 1,000 to 1,500 cartridges across two production days, Kevin says, C3 now targets 4,000 cartridges a week. Usually filling over three days, they mostly focus on 1 gram sauce cartridges with the occasional terpene and dab cartridge run.
As demand grew, production increased; luckily, C3’s Vape-Jets were up to the task. With C3’s highest single shift output reaching 1,976 cartridges, Kevin and Jeremy know they can ramp up production at a moment’s notice. However, simply ripping through vape cartridges is not C3’s goal. Instead, they take a craft approach to producing cannabis products by fitting production to demand. Often producing small batches rather than ramping up, C3 seeks to perfect their craft, process, and calibration, so consumers only get the very best.
The Pain of Hand-Filling
The agony of hand filling is well-documented, but it’s worth emphasizing how much of a relief it is to introduce automated filling equipment. Believe us, the physical and mental demands of filling by hand prevent technicians from achieving the same quality control and throughput possible with vape cartridge automation.
But don’t take our word for it.
“Hand filling is a painful process,” Kevin says. “I have been around the team and seen them hand-filling. It is arduous, it is not fun on your fingers, it’s not hyper repeatable, and it’s not temperature controlled, so you’re going to have variability from cart to cart. [There are] too many variables out of your control, which we want to avoid at all costs. We want to make sure our product has a consistent flavor and fill level. Definitely not something you can do with hand filling.”
Moving from a process of hand-filing and manual weight checking with a scale, the workflow with Vape-Jet automation leaves the C3 team much happier. “We save three profiles: a sauce cartridge profile, a terpene profile, and a dab profile,” Kevin says. “If the formulation is a little bit thicker or thinner, we can always adjust minor settings, but for the most part, we don’t have to do too much dialing.”
Don’t worry, we didn’t make Jeremy or Kevin dwell in the negativity of hand-filling too long. “Don’t get me wrong, our team crushed it and flew through hand-filling,” Kevin says. “But again, not something I would want to subject anyone to on a week-to-week basis. I don’t think anyone would want to do that on a week-to-week basis.”
Product Support: Internal & External
Everyone has had a bad experience investing in technology.
For some of us, it was entrusting a big box store with our first major desktop purchase. For others, a revolutionary new coffee maker dispensing something akin to mud. We’ve learned from these experiences and seek trusting relationships with businesses that take pride in their equipment and prioritize technical support.
At Vape-Jet, we take pride in our industry-leading product support. Whether we are reviewing customer data to optimize machine performance or developing our active HelpDesk Support Ticketing System (averaging a 15-minute response time during business hours), we are your partners for the long haul.
Even though they haven’t had any issues with their Vape-Jet 3.0 since installation, having an accessible support service has boosted the C3 team’s confidence. “The support is great,” Jeremy says. “The one time we had a problem [at installation], we got right on a call within fifteen minutes and got it sorted out.”
Imagine waiting days (or even longer) for the necessary support to get things going! The Vape-Jet team realizes that any production disruption has broad implications for your workflow, so we take an all-hands-on-deck approach to addressing technical problems. We even set up product support calls for hardware calibration so you can save optimized filling profiles for increased efficiency. We win when you win.
Uniformity Across Locations
Having the same Vape-Jet model across all locations allowed C3 Industries to build institutional knowledge of our machine. With easier internal training and SOP familiarity, communication and workflow efficiency are much better than in the old hand-filling days. “It’s much easier training our employees across the entire network,” Kevin assures us. “We send out all our profile information. We give everyone the settings that we run on our Vape-Jet 3.0, so they can run the same cartridge profiles.”
With this uniformity in process, training, and filling, Vape-Jet ensures that C3’s quality product isn’t ruined by inferior filling equipment. The C3 cartridge you purchase in Michigan is filled with the same ideal settings as a cartridge in Oregon. In other words, together, we make every vape cartridge count.
A look at the Vape-Jet 3.0 in action from C3 Industries’ Michigan production facility.
Growing Together
As we mentioned earlier, C3 has been a huge part of our growth as a company. The same goes for the other side. During our chat, Kevin and Jeremy mentioned several upgrades that played a vital role in their production (like the stand-alone Drop-Tank reservoir heater that optimizes batch changeovers). C3 knows they can depend on us to innovate for the future while meeting the demands of today. Just knowing they can scale their production at any time is a major reason they continue to invest in Vape-Jet.
“In this facility alone we’ve gone from 1,500-1,600 cartridges a week up to 4,000 a week,” Kevin reflects. “Obviously, we could blow that number out of the water if we went five days and wanted to run it full bore. Not really part of our business model right now, but you know, we have a 70,000 square foot greenhouse coming online this summer, and you can pretty much guarantee that we’re going to scale our operations to account for the increased biomass. We are definitely going to really pump our cartridge numbers towards the tail end of 2022, I can tell you that.” Understanding that their Vape-Jet could fill about 40,000 cartridges per week with a single operator, C3 Industries can look to the future confidently, knowing their filling machine will scale with business needs moving forward.
Don’t you love happy (blog) endings? Anyway, after a sincere apology for bringing up hand-filling, we had to let Kevin and Jeremy get back to production. Currently, they are filling five days a week to prepare for the 2022 Michigan High Times Cannabis Cup. More evidence that there are always cartridges to fill.
Learn More About Vape-Jet
A huge thanks to Jeremy, Kevin, and C3 Industries for their time and for building such a quality business model. Growing with teams like this makes all the hard work worth it, and we look forward to celebrating more wins together in the future.
If you want to experience the greatness of your own Vape-Jet, all you need to do is drop us a line. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
