The Role of Vacuum Pumps in Tennessee’s Manufacturing Sector

Tennessee’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, supporting more than 350,000 jobs and contributing billions in annual output. From automotive and aerospace production to food processing, plastics, and electronics — vacuum pump systems are essential to keeping these industries running efficiently. But while their role is critical, vacuum pumps often operate behind the scenes, quietly ensuring precision, quality, and productivity.

In this post, we’ll explore the many ways vacuum pumps support Tennessee’s manufacturing sector, the types of systems commonly in use, and how Industrial Air Services helps manufacturers statewide optimize their vacuum operations for performance, cost savings, and reliability.

Why Vacuum Technology Is Vital in Manufacturing

Vacuum pumps are used in countless manufacturing processes — often enabling technologies that would be impossible under atmospheric pressure. Whether you’re molding plastic, packaging food, or degassing molten metal, vacuum technology provides controlled pressure environments that improve precision, cleanliness, and repeatability.

Key Benefits for Manufacturers:

Increased Process Control
Vacuum environments remove air and contaminants, allowing for consistent product quality.

Higher Product Yields
Reduced waste due to improved sealing, drying, forming, or coating processes.

Reduced Energy Use
Modern vacuum systems use variable speed and smart controls to lower electricity costs.

Faster Cycle Times
Certain processes (e.g., drying, forming, curing) are faster under vacuum conditions.

Industries in Tennessee That Depend on Vacuum Pumps

Tennessee is home to a diverse manufacturing base, and many sectors rely on vacuum pump technology. Here are some of the most prominent examples:

1. Automotive Manufacturing

With major OEM plants like Nissan (Smyrna), General Motors (Spring Hill), and Volkswagen (Chattanooga), Tennessee is a hub for automotive production. Vacuum pumps are used for:

Brake line evacuation

Composite molding

Vacuum forming of interior parts

Fluid degassing and filling

2. Food and Beverage Processing

Facilities across the state — from meatpackers to beverage bottlers — use vacuum systems for:

Vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)

Freeze drying and dehydration

Vacuum mixing for emulsified products (e.g., sauces, dressings)

Evacuation of air from product containers

3. Chemical and Plastics Production

Vacuum systems support:

Degassing of molten plastics before injection molding

Removal of solvents and byproducts in chemical synthesis

Distillation and drying of raw materials

Vacuum conveying of powders and pellets

4. Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing

With growing investment in aerospace in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge corridor, vacuum pumps are used in:

Composite curing and resin infusion

Precision coating and vapor deposition

Leak detection and structural testing

Cleanroom vacuum systems

5. Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturing

Tennessee-based pharmaceutical manufacturers use vacuum technology to ensure clean, precise, and contaminant-free production processes, including:

Sterile vacuum environments

Tablet compression

Filtration and drying

Vacuum-assisted cleanroom operations

Common Types of Vacuum Pumps Used in Manufacturing

Each application has specific pressure and capacity requirements, and different types of pumps are suited to different tasks. Common pump types include:

Rotary Vane Pumps

Ideal for general-purpose applications such as packaging, forming, and conveying. Known for durability and low maintenance.

Liquid Ring Pumps

Often used in chemical and pharmaceutical settings where vapor handling and wet gases are common.

Scroll Pumps

Oil-free, quiet, and reliable, perfect for cleanroom environments and medical device manufacturing.

Dry Screw Pumps

Highly efficient and capable of handling aggressive gases and particles without contamination.

Claw and Lobe Pumps

Used for conveying and medium vacuum applications where high throughput is required.

At Industrial Air Services, our team helps manufacturers select and maintain the right pump for each application — balancing vacuum levels, energy usage, and maintenance intervals.

Performance Optimization and Maintenance

To maintain uptime and production quality, Tennessee manufacturers must ensure that their vacuum systems are running at peak performance. This involves:

Preventive Maintenance Programs
Regular inspections, oil changes, seal replacements, and system tests reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.

Energy Audits
Identifying inefficiencies in vacuum pump operation can result in significant cost savings.

System Upgrades
Replacing outdated vacuum pumps with modern, variable-speed, energy-efficient systems can improve throughput and lower energy costs.

Remote Monitoring
Adding sensors and IoT integration allows real-time performance tracking and proactive maintenance scheduling.

Case Study: Plastics Manufacturer in Murfreesboro

A mid-sized plastics manufacturer in Murfreesboro was facing product inconsistencies in their injection molding process. Technicians discovered fluctuating vacuum levels caused by a degraded rotary vane pump and an improperly maintained oil separator.

After replacing the unit with a properly sized dry screw pump and establishing a preventive maintenance contract, the company experienced:

28% increase in production consistency

15% energy savings

100% uptime over the next 12 months

Why Work with a Vacuum Pump Specialist?

Manufacturers often rely on in-house maintenance staff or general industrial contractors to service vacuum systems — but that can lead to misdiagnosed issues or incomplete repairs. A vacuum specialist brings:

In-depth application knowledge

Familiarity with all major pump brands

Ability to optimize entire vacuum systems — not just the pump

Faster diagnostics and shorter repair windows

Inventory of parts for quicker turnaround

Industrial Air Services offers a full suite of vacuum services for manufacturers throughout Tennessee — including system audits, emergency repairs, rebuilds, and tailored preventive maintenance plans.

Areas We Serve

With strategically located teams and service centers, Industrial Air Services provides vacuum pump support to manufacturers across the state, including:

Nashville, TN

Knoxville, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Clarksville, TN

Murfreesboro, TN

Tri-Cities area (Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol)

Columbia, Jackson, and surrounding regions

Our Manufacturing-Focused Vacuum Services Include:

New system design and installation

Equipment selection consulting

Preventive maintenance programs

In-house and on-site repairs

Emergency service 24/7

Replacement parts and oil

System retrofitting for energy efficiency

Scheduled performance testing and diagnostics

Final Thoughts

As Tennessee’s manufacturing sector continues to expand and modernize, vacuum pump systems will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring consistent product quality, process efficiency, and operational uptime. Whether you're sealing food products in Chattanooga or molding automotive parts in Nashville, the reliability of your vacuum system affects your bottom line.

Choosing the right service provider — one who understands both the technical side and the specific needs of manufacturers — is essential.

Provided by Industrial Air Services
📍 Locations in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, TN
📞 Call (615) 641-3100 for industrial vacuum system support
🌐 Visit www.industrialairservice.com to request a consultation or schedule service