Massachusetts Alliance for International Business Honors Three Commonwealth Companies for Excellence in Exporting
Heinrich Ceramic Decal of Worcester, Health Enterprises of North Attleboro, and Springfield-based Solutia Receive International Trade Achievement Awards; Honorees Recognized at Associated Industries of Massachusetts Annual Meeting
The Massachusetts Alliance for International Business (MAIB), a foundation created by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) to help Commonwealth businesses benefit from opportunities in global commerce, has announced its 2007 Annual International Trade Achievement Award honorees. The awards celebrate and acknowledge Massachusetts employers who have achieved noteworthy success in international business and who have retained or created jobs in the Commonwealth.
"This year’s honorees represent a diverse cross-section of Massachusetts manufacturing companies with a common vision for combining in-house ingenuity and Massachusetts resources to achieve notable exporting success. These three companies, representing very different industry sectors, are all excellent role models for other Massachusetts companies looking to tap international trade as a means of fueling new avenues of growth," said Martin Walter, Chairman of the Board for MAIB. "We want more Massachusetts companies to succeed in international trade and MAIB is her to help them, whether they are established exporters, just getting started, or wondering where to begin."
MAIB honored the following three local companies at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ (AIM) annual meeting.
Chairman’s Award: Heinrich Ceramic Decal, Inc., Worcester, Mass MAIB’s 2007 Chairman’s Award was presented to Heinrich Ceramic Decal, Inc. of Worcester, Massachusetts in recognition of the company’s excellence in international trade innovation. Heinrich Ceramic Decal is a leading manufacturer of printed transfers, more commonly known as ceramic and glass decals. In 2006, the company applied its core technology to an innovative and profitable application in a completely new industry sector. The company expanded from producing decals for collectibles, tableware, wine/spirit bottles, and electrical/industrial products into producing electronic circuit print decal products to meet the exacting requirements of the growing European solar energy industry. As a result, Heinrich grew its international sales from 1% to 40% in one year.
Ambassador’s Award: Health Enterprises, Inc., North Attleboro, Mass
MAIB’s 2007 Ambassador’s Award was presented to North Attleboro-based Health Enterprises, Inc. in recognition of its expansive presence in foreign markets. Health Enterprises, Inc. is a worldwide leader in niche healthecare products, sold under their Acu-Life Brand and private label brands, including medical compliance, first aid, home health, eye/ear, pillboxes, medical ID bracelets and lice care. In addition to distributing products in over 40 countries worldwide, this 30-year old company regularly attends international trade shows in Europe, South America, and Asia. Having worked closely with the Massachsuetts Export Center and the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment to identify foreign market opportunities and adapt its packaging and product design accordingly, Health Enterprises demonstrates how Massachusetts resources can be used by Commonwealth companies to begin or expand their international trade initiatives. As a result of its efforts, Health Enterprises has achieved average international sales growth of 17% since 2003.
Global Award: Solutia, Inc., Springfield, Mass
MAIB’s 2007 Global Award was presented to Solutia, Inc.’s Indian Orchard Plant in Springfield in recognition of its global trade and export influence and its employment of more than 500 people in Massachusetts. Under the Saflex name, Solutia is the world’s largest producer and seller of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers for laminated glass and is widely regarded as the global leader in PVB innovation, quality, and reliability. Saflex-fortified windshields are used to protect some of the world’s most precious artifacts, including the U.S. Constitution and the Mona Lisa. Solutia’s Indian Orchard Plant also fuels the global supply chain by exporting PVB resin and film to Solutia plants in Mexico, Brazil, and China. Exports account for approximately half of the company’s annual revenues.
About Massachusetts Alliance for International Business (MAIB)
The Massachusetts Alliance for International Business is a research and educational foundation created by the Associated Industries of Massachsuetts (AIM) to help Massachusetts businesses succeed in the global economy through programs that inform, educate, and assist companies engaged in international trade. For further information about MAIB and the International Trade Achievement Awards, visit www.aimnet.org/maib.
About Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)
Established in 1915, Associated Industires of Massachsuetts is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. A.I.M.’s mission is to promote the well-being of its members and their employees and the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by improving the State’s economic climate, proactively advocating fair and equitable public policy and providing relevant, reliable information and helpful services. For further information about the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, visit www.aimnet.org.
MAIB’s 2007 Chairman’s Award was presented to Heinrich Ceramic Decal, Inc. of Worcester, Massachusetts in recognition of the company’s excellence in international trade innovation. Heinrich Ceramic Decal is a leading manufacturer of printed transfers, more commonly known as ceramic and glass decals. In 2006, the company applied its core technology to an innovative and profitable application in a completely new industry sector. The company expanded from producing decals for collectibles, tableware, wine/spirit bottles, and electrical/industrial products into producing electronic circuit print decal products to meet the exacting requirements of the growing European solar energy industry. As a result, Heinrich grew its international sales from 1% to 40% in one year.