TROY – Automation Alley is headed to the United Kingdom this summer for a trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, the world?s largest aerospace and defense exhibition. Southeast Michigan companies interested in expanding their business into these high-growth industries are encouraged to apply for the mission by May 23.
Farnborough is expected to attract more than 1,500 exhibitors and 100,000 participants from nearly 50 countries around the world. The trade mission, taking place July 12-17 in conjunction with the air show, will place participating companies directly in touch with key government officials, military delegations and business leaders as well as potential business partners and buyers of their products, services and technologies.
?Despite military cutbacks in the U.S., there?s a surging demand for aerospace and defense technologies, especially in Asia (including the Middle East) and North Africa,? said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley’s director of International Business Services. ?And global defense spending is projected to increase to $1.547 trillion this year. The Farnborough International Airshow is a must-attend event for companies looking to learn more about growth overseas in these industries. In fact, in 2012 alone, this show resulted in $72 billion in sales and work orders.?
Automation Alley?s international trade missions yield a high return on investment for small to medium-sized companies and allow them to explore opportunities to expand and diversify into high-growth markets. To date, Automation Alley has led 139 local companies on 20 trade missions to locations around the globe, resulting in more than $326 million in export sales for those companies.
Susan Gans, president of Birmingham-based Geologix, Inc. said joining a recent Automation Alley trade mission to Indonesia and Singapore was the best thing she could have done to expand her business overseas.
The cost to participate is $5,995 for Automation Alley members and $6,995 for non-members and is subject to change based on availability. Price includes international airfare, five-star hotels, transportation, matchmaking meetings, business briefings, welcome receptions and tours. Participation is limited to 10 companies.
Automation Alley will take care of all planning and details before, during and after the mission. Interested companies should ask about the State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP) to find out if they qualify for funding that can be applied toward the cost of the mission.
For more information or to register, contact Automation Alley International Business Services Supervisor Lisa Lasser at 248-457-3283 or [email protected].
