During the 1970s with experience of industrial carpet cleaning, Alan Brazier recognised the need for a small machine to enable people to wash their own carpets and deal with accidental spillages and floods. In December 1977, Alan first incorporated Vax Ltd and after much experimental work he developed a prototype machine. The machine was unique - it was able to wash carpets, suck up spills and vacuum. It was the facility to wash carpets safely and effectively, which was to give the Vax machine it's clear technological advances over other vacuum cleaners and carpet washing machines. The first Vax machine was manufactured in 1979 and initially sold by door-to-door selling. In 1982, the marketing strategy changed and Vax machines were available through retail outlets, supported by a nationwide team of demonstrators. In 1987 Vax became the best selling vacuum cleaner in the UK.

The company's headquarters are located in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England, and a sister manufacturing facility based in Western Australia. Vax products are distributed in more than 40 countries worldwide. Vax UK and Vax Australia are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hong Kong based TechTronic Industries Co.Ltd. (TTI) TTI is a market and innovation leader in power equipment products, floor care applicances, laser and electronic products. The Group recorded sales of HK$22.36 billion in 2005.