From reactive to proactive export strategy
The current location of Gaskets Inc. was constructed in 1977. Gaskets is a cut-and-sew specialist that fabricates seals made from high-temperature textiles, as well as expansion joints and other heat-resistant materials, to original equipment manufacturers and distributors who want customized, durable products that are built with American-made quality. Gasket took a reactive approach to export sales until 2015, when company leaders realized the potential of creating a proactive export strategy and began to explore the process.
Utilizing statewide resources for international growth
Due to attending ExporTech™ in 2015, Gaskets gained access to the resources needed to hone its export strategy, and has since seen great success in diversifying its international customer portfolio. “ExporTech gave us the confidence in dealing with exporting to become “proactive” and diversify our portfolio internationally,” said Nick Carter, inside sales, marketing and media manager and KAREWEAR product manager for Gaskets. The firm further developed its export strategy by tapping into WEDC’s resources and expertise. In 2016 and 2017, company leaders attended trade ventures that allowed them to raise their profile in their biggest markets, Canada and Mexico. Gaskets’ website brings in most of the company’s business. WEDC’s International Market Access Grant (IMAG) provided the resources to translate the website for the Canadian, Mexican and German markets, which led directly to strong international business relationships and increased sales.
(January 2018)
