1953

Founding of the Plastiflex company in Fountain Valley, California by Lewis Herrmann. The company pioneered production of the “crushproof” hose, initially for the swimming pool market. It is now the world’s largest manufacturer of flexible plastic vacuum hoses and is constantly innovatiogn in a very wide range of applications.

1971

Start of European operations with the opening of the Belgian plant in Paal-Beringen.

1974

Sales office opened in Milan, Italy.

1978

UK plant opened in Wakefield.

1980

A second Belgian plant opened in Paal-Beringen, to meet higher demand.

1981

Spanish plant opened in Barcelona.

1982

Operations established in Delmenville, South Africa, mainly to supply the pool market.

1983

Opening of the Orangeville plant, Toronto, Canada.

1985

Production began in St. Marys, Australia.

Plastiflex patented the Electriflex technology-based hoses. This real breakthrough enables the power to be controlled on the handle of Central Vacuum Systems. Electriflex's unique technology also enables the use of electrically powered carpet brushes. CVAC vacuum cleaning would never be the same again.

1991

The Belgian management bought out the company from the US founder, under the leadership of by Theo and Jos Sterkmans and David McIvor.
Plant opened in Chula Vista, California.

1993

Acquisition of Sealavac in Canada, notably for the component moulds for the central vacuuming systems.

1996

Plastiflex strengthens its Pool Hose activity by acquiring FPI (Pool King products) and its Floorcare Hose activities by acquiring Stretch Hose in the UK.
Plastiflex patents VacPan, a unique CVAC inlet valve that was to achieve worldwide success and is still used today.

1997

Acquisition of VacPan in Canada (cf. http ://www.plastiflex.com/history.php).

1998

3D Participaties, a partner in the Plastiflex Group since the MBO of 1991, took over the company. This is the year when Plastiflex started to expand towards the Far East, with the opening of a Sales office in Hong Kong and a factory in Changping, China.

2000

The Greenfield facility was opened in Statesville, North Carolina to support the strong development of Plastiflex Pool Hose products.
Production began in Kezmarok, Slovakia.

2001

A second production facility opened in Suzhou, China to support the strong sales in the Far East and China.

2007

The Tijuana plant was opened in Mexico.

2008

Appointment of a new CEO, Johan Miermans.

2009

Several new patents were introduced, enabling unique improvements to be made to many floorcare systems, both portable and Central VAC.

Plastiflex established its Healthcare division, specializing in high-quality respiratory hoses. This innovation is bringing relief to patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea.