export.
expand.
diversify.
YOUR PATHWAY TO GLOBAL SUCCESS
Automation Alley’s nearly 1,000 member companies represent a cross-section of high-tech industries and emerging technologies, including: advanced manufacturing, defense, life sciences, medical, clean tech, renewable energy, information technology, information communications technology and more.
Automation Alley Opens Doors Automation Alley is Michigan’s largest technology business association and a dynamic hub for worldwide opportunities. Automation Alley helps companies successfully export, expand and diversify their products overseas through: • International, domestic and virtual trade missions • Country- and industry-specific conferences • Meaningful matchmaking events and workshops • Global market research • Identification of potential business partners, buyers and end users
AUTOMATION ALLEY
SUCCESS STORY:
Promess Incorporated ABOUT THE COMPANY: Promess is a manufacturer of complete turnkey monitoring and motion systems used in a wide variety of assembly and test applications around the world. Promess delivers the complete system including the mechanics, control electronics, all the sensors, amplifiers and software. Promess also provides pre-project application engineering assistance, installation support and training services. AUTOMATION ALLEY CONNECTION: Promess participated in the 2008 trade mission to Brazil, the 2009 trade mission to Israel and the 2010 Army Science Conference in Florida. BUSINESS OUTCOME: “Promess participated in three trade missions organized by Automation Alley. We accomplished more in one week than we would have in one year. The level of contact, the networking programs and the cultural education all saved time and money by a factor of 10. Thanks, Automation Alley, for providing the contacts and skill sets to make these trips so productive.” — Larry Stockline, President
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Automation Alley identifies gaps in the supply chain and promotes new industries to help diversify Michigan’s economy and provide new opportunities for businesses.
Why Export and Expand? Global trade and expansion isn’t just for big business anymore. Small and mid-size companies are maintaining a competitive edge by taking advantage of opportunities to access worldwide markets — and for good reason. • American-made products and services are in high demand throughout the world. • Exporting allows companies to explore global market opportunities. • Exporting accelerates innovation, enables companies to create higher-paying jobs and increases revenue.
Export Excellence In recognition of its highly successful trade missions, Automation Alley in 2008 received the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Exporting — the nation’s highest award to honor exporters.
AUTOMATION ALLEY
SUCCESS STORY:
Clover Wireless
(formerly The Wireless Source) ABOUT THE COMPANY: Clover Wireless is a global provider of private label trade-in, buy-back and repair services offering vertically integrated customizable solutions for carriers, retailers and OEMs. Used consumer electronics are collected and processed in the United States and then exported to emerging markets including Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Why Diversify? Another important strategy for business growth is diversification, which: • Ensures a business is viable during regional economic recessions
AUTOMATION ALLEY CONNECTION: The Wireless Source participated in the 2002 trade mission to China. Following that mission, The Wireless Source opened an office in China, where its business has grown to more than $26 million.
• Helps small and medium-size businesses eliminate the risks associated with ebbs and flows in today’s world economy
BUSINESS OUTCOME: “There is no way any individual company could leverage this much energy and potential on their own, without Automation Alley. As a result of the China trade mission, we opened an office in Shanghai in 2002.” — Bob Sullivan, President & CEO
• Opens the doors to high-growth industries and value-added technologies
95
75
%
%
of the world’s population exists outside of the United States
of the gross domestic product is outside of the United States
1
%
With fewer than of the 30 million companies in the U.S. currently exporting, your company will stand out among competitors. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Automation Alley helps companies identify global business trends and trade opportunities and navigate around common hurdles faced by first-time exporters.
We Help Your Business Grow Automation Alley’s International Business Services (IBS) team minimizes red tape for companies interested in expanding overseas. Automation Alley provides your company with access to: Trade Missions (international, domestic and virtual) — more than a dozen since 2001 — have resulted in $188 million in contracts awarded to local companies, while creating more than 1,000 high-paying jobs for the Southeast Michigan region. Automation Alley trade missions help businesses: • Obtain international sales and contracts • Become more innovative and globally competitive • Diversify not only in the international marketplace but also into other industries • Establish joint venture partnerships and technology licensing agreements • Develop long-lasting business partnerships • Learn about culture, customs, business practices and operating environments in target countries Outreach Programs educate businesses in Southeast Michigan about export opportunities. Global Videoconferencing brings you face to face with foreign buyers of your product without the expense of having to travel overseas. One-on-One Consulting Services help you determine whether your business is export-ready. Foreign Market Research provides export-related information, including market analysis, cultural reports and more.
AUTOMATION ALLEY
SUCCESS STORY:
Global Impact Group ABOUT THE COMPANY: Global Impact Group expands into global markets, driving market demand and growing businesses by leveraging executive level relationships in over 72 countries and a proven sales network. The Global Impact Group works with companies to develop comprehensive branding, communications and marketing strategies to maximize the return on investment. AUTOMATION ALLEY CONNECTION: Global Impact Group participated in the 2007 trade mission to Central Europe and also credits Automation Alley with helping the company win a contract in India. BUSINESS OUTCOME: “The inherent ability of Automation Alley’s staff to introduce us to buyers and end users of our company’s products enabled us to close a multi-million dollar deal with a German OEM that we had met with on Automation Alley’s mission to the European Union.” — Daniel Kocks, CEO
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Keep Pace with the Global Business World With business growing on a global scale, make sure your company is keeping pace. Let Automation Alley’s International Business Services team assist your business in exporting, expanding and diversifying into exciting new markets and industries. For more information, call 800-427-5100 or email info@automationalley.com.
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