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16 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • March 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m State seeks global partnerships abroad — and at home In April, WEDC visits Western Europe — France, Spain and Germany — a trip that begins with the Hannover Messe Trade Show in Germany, one of the largest manufacturing trade fairs in the world. Gov. Scott Walker plans to attend this trade venture, and New North area companies are encouraged to participate. "It really isn't limited to one kind of manufacturer," Sinnott says. "We would encourage all manufacturers to go — everything from mining equipment to small components is being presented there at the fair." In 2014, Wisconsin businesses reached an all-time high record for exporting, sending $23.43 billion in goods worldwide, says the WEDC. at's an increase of 1.4 percent over 2013. During the past four years, the state's total exports have increased by 18.3 percent. WEDC is hoping to attract the attention of more New North-area manufacturers and get them started in exporting. Considering that 95 percent of the growing middle class is found beyond America's borders, "you're I f your company has thought about the possibility of exporting, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation wants to help you turn that thought into reality. WEDC is offering global trade missions to help connect Wisconsin companies with partners overseas as a part of its effort to continue to grow exports and investment in Wisconsin. In May, the agency is visiting Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa and the trip has appealed to some Milwaukee-area water technology companies, says Katy Sinnott, WEDC's vice president of international business development. "ere's some extraordinary opportunities there, because these two countries represent some of the strongest economies in Africa," Sinnott says. "ey have an extraordinarily strong growing middle class, which implies needs for lots of things. ere is a need for infrastructure, there is a need for consumer goods." Historically, Wisconsin companies haven't exported much to this region. "I think it's a great opportunity to get in on the ground when it's just starting to really explode," Sinnott says. There's still time To register for the April Western European Trade Mission, visit InWisconsin.com/Western Europe2015 and the May East Africa trip at InWisconsin.com/ eastafrica. While the registration deadlines have passed, WEDC will try to accommodate any New North manufacturer interested in participating. Katy Sinnott, WEDC's vice president of international business development G L O B A L New North area manufacturers can join WEDC's Western European trade mission BY NIKKI KALLIO