Category: Success Stories

WTC Review | Philadelphia 2016 Issue No. 3

9/22/2016

Follow WTCGP updates, member highlights, trade and event announcements, special reports, and more with the latest WTC Review.

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PC Network Acquires Calleva Networks assets

9/20/2016

PC Network Inc. - a Bringing the World to Pennsylvania and Global Connections participant - is a customer focused technology infrastructure services company based out of Philadelphia and is assisted by World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

September 20, 2016, Philadelphia, PA, USA / London, UK – Calleva Networks Ltd., a UK-based IT services company, today announced the acquisition of key assets by PC Network (UK) Limited, an operating company of PC Network Inc. (PCN).

PCN delivers a comprehensive portfolio of DNS, DHCP, and IPAM (DDI) managed services and professional consulting to enterprises, service providers, system integrators, and VARs. Calleva Networks, a boutique IT services firm focused on DDI services and consulting in the UK, will strengthen PCN’s UK market presence and core DDI managed services offering.

“We are excited about this transaction. Calleva Networks is a great fit with our business,” said Katrin Hillner, PCN’s President & CEO. “Global demand for our services has made the addition of resources in the UK essential. We could not have found a better set of services and skills than what the Calleva Networks team brings our clients.”

Paul Roberts, Calleva Networks founder, is joining PCN’s leadership team and will provide a dedicated focus to PCN’s growing UK customer base. “PCN has a compelling service offering, global scale and a fantastic technical team well matched with our experience at Calleva Networks,” added Roberts.

The growing number and type of IP enabled devices and applications connecting to networks require the right tools to be used in the right ways to mitigate risk and complexity. DDI is foundational to delivery of critical network services protecting Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure, automating cloud deployments, and increasing the reliability of enterprise and service provider networks around the world.

“We believe that Cloud transformations, DNS Security and the Internet of Things revolution will continue to create strong demand for our managed services, representing a significant growth opportunity for us in the UK ,” stated Shaun Antram, PCN’s founder. PCN has supported major UK multinationals for almost a decade and is well positioned with the acquisition of Calleva Networks to grow new business in the UK. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

View Full Press Release/Contact PCN

Sandmeyer Steel, A Heavyweight in the Specialty Steel Industry

9/19/2016

A heavyweight in the specialty steel industry, Sandmeyer Steel has produced stainless steel and nickel alloy plate products since 1952. These goods remain the company’s sole product. This focus has made Sandmeyer successful – the company is thriving in North America, where it stocks the largest and most extensive single-site stainless and nickel alloy plate inventory. In addition, Sandmeyer has expanded – at an impressively rapid pace – into the international market, selling its product in more than 48 countries in collaboration with ten global partners.

The core service offered by World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) – individual, customized trade counseling – provides member companies with expert advice on all aspects of international trade, including identifying appropriate business partners overseas, understanding foreign regulations governing international business, fielding often confusing paperwork required by other countries and connecting WTCGP clients with potential in-country customers and partners. This service is key to helping companies enter into or expand their international trade and export activities, leading to expanded business and revenue.

WTCGP membership has given Sandmeyer Steel an edge in navigating international economic conditions, political and trade policies that inevitably confront any U.S. exporter. “The WTCGP counselors guided us in our global expansion. They are professional, knowledgeable and incredibly responsive.”

If you had told me nine or ten years ago that we’d be doing business overseas, I would have told you that you were crazy. And yet today, we are all over the world.

Referring to Sandmeyer’s successful entry into international trade markets, the company’s Vice President of International Sales, John Curley, says, “If you had told me nine or ten years ago that we’d be doing business overseas, I would have told you that you were crazy. And yet today, we are all over the world.”

Sandmeyer’s initial foray overseas was into China. In a search for cost-effective trade counseling from experts with broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of global trade, John found the WTCGP. His company benefitted from trade support from WTCGP’s status as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Southeastern PA Export representative and introductions to the Pennsylvania overseas Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs). Additionally, through Curley’s own connections, Sandmeyer began working in Mexico, Korea, India, the Middle East and Italy. However, in short order, the company sought out additional foreign markets in which to sell its stainless steel and nickel alloy plate products.

Over the past seven years, with help from WTCGP and the Commonwealth’s overseas Authorized Trade Representative Offices, Sandmeyer has broken into numerous markets in Europe, Asia and beyond, including Germany, Scandinavia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan and Singapore. John credits WTCGP’s events and programs, one-on-one trade counseling, trade missions and trade shows organized by the Commonwealth of PA for laying the groundwork for his company to grow revenue through international trade.

“We found trade missions organized by the Commonwealth of PA with assistance from WTCGP and PA ATRs to be enormously helpful,” John reports. “We participated with a WTCGP and PA overseas trade representatives in international trade missions to Australia, Brazil and Singapore. Trade reps from the WTCGP and PA ATRs helped set up meetings and interviews with potential business partners in these countries.”

Whether coordinating meetings at trade shows or trade missions, WTCGP uses its expansive network of more than 300 sister WTCs worldwide, the PA overseas ATR offices network and other worldwide partners to connect U.S. businesses with overseas companies that are potential partners. As John notes, “In these countries, WTCGP helped cut through the red tape to set up interviews that led to Sandmeyer expanding its business. The coordination and connections WTCGP provided were invaluable to the growth of my company.”

WTCGP programs and events, which provide timely and relevant information to U.S. business leaders either already doing or gearing up to do business overseas, also helped Sandmeyer in its quest to boost revenue through expanding markets overseas. “WTCGP offers a wide variety of events. The 2016 Annual Global Business Conference was particularly helpful. Between knowledgeable speakers, skilled moderators and relevant content, I learned more about international trade trends that are really helping me plan for the future of Sandmeyer Steel in global markets.”

We had to learn how to be an exporter, and WTCGP gave us the path to do that. Now we are able to deal with anybody in the world.

WTCGP’s mission – to counsel, connect and grow trade – is borne out in the story of Sandmeyer Steel’s success in many foreign markets. “Up until we really started all of this, our only export markets were Mexico and Canada. Now we are seeing inquiries from all over the world. We had to learn how to be an exporter, and WTCGP gave us the path to do that. Now we are able to deal with anybody in the world.”

Sandmeyer Steel Member Success Story by Patricia Keleman. Additional Success Stories: http://www.wtcphila.org/news/category/success-stories.

Pennsylvania Receives Recognition for Economic Success and Industry Sector Growth

8/11/2016

International trade continues to be a key driver of economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia Region. Garnering Business Facilities No. 10 ranking for exports is no surprise. As a proud partner with PA in providing trade counseling through the “Bringing the World to PA” program, we helped companies in these counties generate over $125M in new export sales, made possible through this nationally-recognized export development program.

More recognition is listed in the announcement from the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development. The upshot? PA’s trade heart is healthy, with a strong beat towards growth in several sectors. This growth – a key driver of job creation state-wide – is exactly what international trade is meant to do. Americans should engage in, and learn about, the trade agreements that may be in jeopardy. Start here with the World Trade Center and join us at our next event to take part in the discussion.

Linda Mysliwy Conlin
President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Receives Recognition for Economic Success and Industry Sector Growth
From the PA Department of Community & Economic Development

Harrisburg, PA - On August 1, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced that Pennsylvania received recognition for a series of accomplishments highlighting both economic success and growth statewide.

Pennsylvania's economy rose from the 21st to the 19th largest in the world, excluding other U.S. states, making it comparable to that of Saudi Arabia. The economy is larger than Argentina and Switzerland.

Additionally, Pennsylvania claimed top spots in Entrepreneur Magazine, which named State College among ‘The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Entrepreneurs’ for its vision and committed support, and across five key categories in Business Facilities’ Annual Rankings Report.

Five Top 10 Rankings
PA claimed 5 spots on the top 10 lists, including No. 5 ranking in Infrastructure Upgrades demonstrating that the states vast infrastructure assets, which include ports, airports, rail, fiber networks and energy transportation networks, are keeping business moving.

Other rankings are as follows:

No. 6 in STEM Leaders, boasting high employment totals for STEM-oriented jobs
No. 6 in Top Manufacturing States, highlighting employment totals for manufacturing jobs
No. 7 in Biotechnology, offering support and assistance to biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies and startups
No. 10 in Exports, securing one of the highest number of exports in 2015.

“Pennsylvania continues to be a global leader, known for innovation and advancement, and our rankings further illustrate our commitment to succeed. It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work we do, but it is essential that we use this momentum to set our sights on achieving even more.”

PA DCED Secretary Davin

The Business Facilities' Annual Rankings Report features the best of the best in several categories scrutinized by investors, site selectors, business owners, and other key economic development professionals.

To find a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania’s awards and rankings visit dced.pa.gov/awards-rankings.

WTC Philadelphia Member Bradford White featured in Engineered Systems

7/26/2016

Bradford White has been a member of the WTCGP since 2013. During that time, the company has expanded into new international markets. Most recently, the WTCGP has facilitated meetings with trade representatives, investigated certification requirements, and vetted distribution companies in Asia and the Middle-East on Bradford White’s behalf.

“Working with Bradford White has always been a true partnership,” said Ron Drozd, WTCGP manager of export services. “The Bradford White message of American made and more American jobs is in perfect step with the WTCGP’s mission to increase exports, create jobs, and build a stronger America. They are a tremendous example of how to access international markets and are making a positive impact in the global marketplace.”

Read more at www.esmagazine.com

WTC Review | Philadelphia 2016 Issue No. 2 Now Available

6/7/2016

Follow WTCGP updates, member highlights, trade and event announcements, special reports, and more with the latest WTC Review.

View WTC Review | Philadelphia 2016 Issue No. 2 Online

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5 of 13 PA companies exhibiting June 26 to 28 at SFFS16 in New York City are WTCGP clients

6/2/2016

Summer Fancy Food Show 2016 (SFFS16) is the largest specialty food trade event in North America and the leading showcase of industry innovation, bringing specialty food's top manufacturers, buyers, and thought leaders together under one roof for three days of delectable discovery, June 26 - 28. 2016 will feature more than 180,000 products, 25,000 buyers, and 2,500 exhibitors.

The following SFFS16 participants are Pennsylvania-based with 5 of the 13 operating in and around the Greater Philadelphia region and assisted by World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia trade specialists:

DelGrosso Foods

Neilly's Foods

Giorgio Foods Inc.

Little Baby's Ice Cream (WTCGP client)

Wolfgang Candy

Sweet Note Bakery (WTCGP client)

Naked Granola

Nuts About Granola

Love Beets (WTCGP client)

Pretzel Pete (aka SB Global Foods, Inc.) (WTCGP client)

My Boy's Baking

BumbleBerry Farms LLC

Irenes's Bakery & Gourmet Kitchen, Inc. (WTCGP client)

Top Reasons to Attend SFFS16 | Registration Details

To find out how World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia trade specialists can assist you click here for a full list of services.

Eight companies from Pennsylvania exhibit at bauma 2016

6/2/2016

Eight companies from Pennsylvania exhibited along with a State of PA Trade Office booth and a Core PA Global investment booth in hall C2, Mining Forum. Exhibiting Pennsylvania companies included: Acker Drill (Scranton), American Cable (Philadelphia), The Fredericks Company (Philadelphia) - a World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia Member, Curry Supply (Martinsburg), Cervis Inc (Warrendale), St. Mary's Carbon (St. Marys), J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers (Somerset), and Penn Machine Company (Johnstown).

The Word Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia coordinated much of the pre-show preparations for The Fredericks Company and Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives (ATR) offices in Central/Eastern Europe, China, Germany, Middle East Regional, Netherlands/Belgium and the United Kingdom set up meetings with prospective buyers from 19 different countries. In addition to regular trade show foot traffic, The Fredericks Company had more than 60 specific meetings with foreign prospects over the course of the show.

As reported by SAP&DC:

Statistics from the Pennsylvania pavilion companies' detail over 160 meetings were held with potential clients during the event, 129 qualified leads were obtained, 10 agreements are under consideration and estimated sales of $1M is expected from the show.

"Things were well organized and planned out. Our location was great for traffic and was also very easy for companies we had meetings with to easily find us. I was very pleased with the results and also the accommodations from the state of PA. Well done by all!" - John Weigner, The Fredericks Company

In addition to company results, PA staff of Dorte Heffernan, Northwest Pennsylvania Commission, Tina Taylor, SAP&DC, and Deb Phillips, NEPA conducted business for the Core PA Global booth, a 53 county investment initiative funded through a grant by the EDA to bring foreign direct investment to the rural regions of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Investment offices in Germany and France assisted with appointments with potential investment interests. As a result, 26 leads have been disbursed to various partner Economic Development agencies for potential matches with FDI to Pennsylvania.

BAUMA 2016
The 31st edition of the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment attracted approximately 580,000 visitors from 200 countries to Munich between April 11 and 17.

After Germany, the top ten countries of origin among the visitors to bauma 2016 were Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, the Netherlands, UK, Sweden, the Russian Federation, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Photo courtesy of bauma 2016

A total of 3,423 exhibitors—1,263 from Germany and 2,160 from abroad—from 58 countries presented their products, developments and innovations on a record 605,000 square meters of exhibition space. Exhibitors from outside Germany accounted for 63 percent of the total—higher than ever before.

Alexander Schwörer, Managing Director of Peri, agrees: “For us bauma 2016 was a tremendous success. We are very satisfied with the response and with the high quality of the trade visitors.” Also impressed was Frank W. Reschke, Sales Director and Member of the Management Board of Masa: “We are very happy with how the show went. Right from day one we were welcoming a constant stream of guests from all over the world at our booth. The quality of the trade audience is first rate, as it was three years ago, and we had some excellent business talks.” bauma full press release

Bauma takes place every three years. The next bauma takes place from April 8 to 14, 2019 in Munich.

One scoop or two? NBC10 reveals world famous Bassetts Ice Cream's biggest customer

5/19/2016

WHO IS BASSETTS' BIGGEST CUSTOMER?
Rosemary Connors of NBC10 reveals the answer in this news story covering the world famous ice cream maker's global success and the role of World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in helping Bassetts and other local companies go global.

Harley Bikers in China?

1/19/2016

Written by Graziella DiNuzzo
Director of Communications and Business Development
World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

When you think of Harley bikers, Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider” may come to mind. Chinese tourists on a Harley? Not so much. Yet Jeff Ji, owner of World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia member company Knighthawk Tours, is changing that perception – anyone can and should be able to ride a Harley Davidson, especially in China. Want to ride a Harley to see the Great Wall or Confucius sites in China? Sign up for one of Knighthawk’s tours. And, for Chinese tourists who want to take a 2,600 mile Harley ride through scenic Pennsylvania, Knighthawk and Jeff Ji will make that happen.

Jeff Ji arrived in the United States in 1986 and received a graduate degree from American University and University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, Jeff started U-Combination Technology which offers diverse tech set-ups to area businesses, schools and non-profits. U-Combination has worked with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) to design and host its website in China. Jeff is also on the board of PHL Diversity, a division of PCVB. Jeff is passionate about blending Chinese and American cultures. In April 2016, Jeff will be working to bring the Asian Food show to the Philadelphia Convention Center.

With the ever growing middle class in China, more Chinese residents are able to afford Harley Davidson motorcycles.

We are helping to sell more Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured in Pennsylvania. Since 2008, Harley dealers in China have increased from 3 to 16. While U.S. sales of Harleys decreased by 3%, China sales have increased by more than 10%.
- Jeff Ji

Top: Ride to Confucius. Bottom: Chinese riders in PA

To date, three Shandong tours from Pennsylvania to China have taken place, including a AAA Chinese New Year spectacular in 2014. And from Shandong to Pennsylvania, five tours have been organized. An average of 20 bikers participate on each tour.

Fred Harris is Director of the Ancient City Harley Owners Group with 300 members in St. Augustine Florida. In 2012, Fred and his wife Lynn led the Knighthawk Harley Davidson Rally Experience Tour.

Valley Forge and Bucks County Harley Davidson dealership have been instrumental in supporting Jeff Ji’s mission to help sell American made products into China. In 2008, the Harley dealerships donated 30 bikes to get the ride rolling.

And so has the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

“Ron Drozd and the WTCGP played an instrumental role for Knighthawk’s entry into the China market. Ron set up the very first contact with PA’s Beijing Trade Office in 2008 and invited me into the CEOs' China Operations Club. The momentum that Ron built carries us till this day and into the future,” says Jeff Ji.

For additional information on Knighthawk tours visit travelshandong.com/tour-ideas/confucius/ and www.travelshandong.com.

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