ExporTech, a new program to help small and midsize manufacturers develop an export program and fast-track international sales, is getting high marks from its first class of graduates.
“ExporTech helped us tap a wealth of resources on all aspects of the exporting process,” said Neil Karolek, president of TLX Technologies, LLC, a Waukesha-based manufacturer of custom solenoids with 30 employees. Karolek participated in the ExporTech pilot program this spring.
Offered by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Bureau of Export Development, ExporTech is designed to help small and mid-size manufacturers develop or expand an export strategy in three months. A coach/mentor helps companies collect market data, identify target markets and create an international plan for profitable growth. A panel of successful exporting companies provides guidance and feedback. Up to 10 non-competitive companies can join each session.
“Global markets offer terrific opportunities for Wisconsin manufacturers,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver. “ExporTech has proven its worth in helping companies start or expand an export initiative."
A new session of ExporTech kicks off in Milwaukee on Sept. 16 at Bentley World-Packaging, Ltd., 4080 North Port Washington Road. For more information visit www.wmep.org/ExporTech.aspx or contact Roxanne Baumann at 262-696-3540.
ExporTech sponsors include Bentley World-Packaging Ltd.; FedEx; Milwaukee World Trade Association Inc. and M & I Bank Global Trade Services, Milwaukee. The program cost of $1,000 can be offset by grants for services provided by participating sponsors.
Getting started in exporting can be daunting for smaller firms. ExporTech demystifies the process and gives manufacturers the resources and access to experts they need to hit the ground running.
“ExporTech brought a wide variety of resources together in a single place – resources we did not have the time and manpower to locate and cultivate on our own,” said Timm Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing for Sturtevant-based Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc. The program provided the impetus and structure to help Spee-Dee build a viable export development strategy, he said.
Exports Fuel Growth
With many of the fastest growing markets outside the U.S., exports are an excellent growth opportunity for state manufacturers. From 2005 to mid-2008 more than 50 percent of U.S. manufacturing growth came from exports, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). More than 95 percent of the nation’s manufacturing exporters are small and midsize firms, but less than one in every four small and midsize manufacturers are exporters.
In Wisconsin, 20 percent of state manufacturing workers rely on exports for their jobs, according to 2008 data from the International Trade Administration. Export-supported jobs linked to manufacturing account for an estimated 8 percent of the state’s private-sector employment.
Wisconsin has a strong track record in exports, but many firms remain on the sidelines. The Wisconsin Next Generation Manufacturing Study found that 60 percent of more than 500 manufacturers surveyed said they were making “little or no progress” toward becoming a world-class global player. Only 4 percent of respondents ranked themselves world-class.
About ExporTech
ExporTech is a joint program of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) and the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Twenty-nine states have used the program during the past three years. ExporTech offers detailed guidance to help small and mid-size manufacturers create and execute an effective export strategy and offers information on issues ranging from banking to financing to freight forwarding and licensing.
About Wisconsin Department of Commerce Export Services
The Commerce Bureau of Export Development offers a wide range of services to assist companies, whether they are new to exporting or seasoned professionals. Assistance is available for minimal or no cost.
Export development managers around the state are available to offer guidance on the export process and discuss strategies for new or expanding markets. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/ie/IE-OurServices.html.
About WMEP
WMEP is a private, non-profit consulting organization committed to the growth and success of Wisconsin manufacturers. A leader in Next Generation Manufacturing, WMEP brings best practices to Wisconsin firms to help them achieve world-class performance through innovation and transformation. WMEP receives financial support from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and partners with many public and private organizations to serve Wisconsin manufacturers. For more information, visit www.wmep.org or call 877-856-8588.
