Export Promotion Magazine/ThinkGlobal Inc. recently took advantage of a high-powered two-day seminar held at USC on doing business in the Asian/Pacific market, to present Burbank-based Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. with their “Exporter of the Year” Award.
Winners of this annual award are chosen based on the total number of documented export deals completed in 2008, the total percentage increase in sales in 2008 compared to 2007, exports as percentage of total sales, and the company’s commitment to exporting, customer service, and their innovation and originality in marketing products or services.
Since its inception in 1970, Matthews has specialized in manufacturing hardware and lighting control units like their unique MAX line of light movers, RED dolly, Monitor Mounts and all other motion picture, television, photographic and theatrical production devices for national and international clients.
Exporting has always been an important part of the company’s growth. As facilities develop around the world, Matthews has been there to supply the latest in support for all kinds of productions. As of January 2009, Matthews products are exported to move than 60 countries. In the works is a plan to open an office in Europe within the next two years.
“We are honored and grateful that Commercial News USA has recognized our efforts to build our export business,” says Robert E. Kulesh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MSE. “Although we have been exporting products for more than 25 years, it was just ten years ago that we specifically identified exports as a way of achieving long-term growth. Today, exports represent a significant percentage of the company’s business.
“As motion picture and television production grows throughout the world, we must be there to serve clients with high-quality, specialized, innovative hardware and lighting control devices. This award recognizes our efforts to increase export sales of U.S. products to world markets.”
“The success of Matthews Studio Equipment is indicative of how American companies can benefit from exporting,” says Gregory Sandler, publisher of Commercial News USA. “American companies looking for growth need to be considering opportunities outside of the U.S. World markets offer considerable potential for U.S. exporters.”