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.
- Bolsters Economic Resilience—with supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and logistics challenges, reinvesting in the US economy keeps Vape-Jet durable during turbulent times.
- 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.
Kevin Hayward, Bridgeview Manufacturing
Bridgeview Manufacturing makes the cables and electrical components on our Vape-Jet.
About Bridgeview Manufacturing
We assemble wire harnesses, cables, and other electrical assembly services for multiple industries, including the semiconductor and UAV/Aerial surveillance industries.
Our team specializes in helping our customers with product development, ironing out the wrinkles, and getting things just right, which is why we say, “let’s build something together!”
Bridgeview Manufacturing & Vape-Jet
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 simply specialize 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.
