VAGTC holds successful China trade mission

Representatives from three local firms visited southern China last month exploring export opportunities to the emerging market as part of a trade mission sponsored by the Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University.

The mission was part of Grand Valley’s ACCESS China/India project, which is a two-year effort that provides the tools and resources for the West Michigan business community to compete in the international marketplace. The project is funded by a grant totaling nearly $178,000 awarded in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Education to create, develop and implement programs and services to help West Michigan companies to compete in China and India.

Jeannie Jansma marketing director of Sebright Products, Inc. participated in the trip and said she found it worthwhile.

“The growth in the small corner of South China we focused on is beyond anything I could imagine and solving the highly publicized environmental and air quality issues has become a priority," she said. "The opportunities are fantastic and we hope that this trade mission will mean new growth and innovation for us.”

The project is collaboration between Grand Valley, West Michigan companies and other regional organizations that support international trade. The collaboration creates a large support network designed to accomplish common objectives.

Participating companies included:
•  APEC USA , based in Lake Odessa, which manufactures process equipment and control systems for the proportioning and mixing of liquid and dry ingredients in a batch or continuous flow process.
• Lorin Industries , based in Muskegon, which is a continuous-coil anodizing firm
• Sebright Products, Inc. , of Hopkins, which designs and manufactures industrial waste and recycling equipment

The VAGTC offers services and resources to assist companies in their efforts to reach global markets. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/vagtc