Horton Receives U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate

Horton Inc., a worldwide leading provider of engine cooling solutions and suspension products, was presented the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Certificate by U.S. Commerce Department Under Secretary for International Trade Administration Francisco Sánchez and Adam Schiff, Outreach Director at the office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Additional presenters included Andrea Berton, International Trade Specialist of U.S. Commercial Service in Minnesota; Mara Lee, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.; and Monica McFarlane, International Trade Specialist of the U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, D.C.

The Export Achievement Certificate recognizes small- and medium-size enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace. The presentation was held at Horton’s worldwide headquarters in Roseville, MN, on April 22, 2013.

According to Horton’s Director of International Business Development Michel Locquegnies, the company uses the Gold Key Matching Service. This service connects U.S.-based companies with companies in foreign markets for collaboration purposes. 

“We are honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” says Locquegnies. “With the Gold Key Matching Service, Horton representatives meet with foreign companies to discuss the potential opportunity to become a Horton distributor. In the past two years, we have conducted over 25 Gold Key searches and have found a new business partner in 20 countries.”

Those countries include Belize, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“We are pleased to present this award to Horton for its success in breaking into new markets globally,” says Sánchez. “Increasing the number of U.S. small- and medium-size businesses that export provides a boost to the American economy and creates jobs.”

In order to qualify for the Export Achievement Certificate, the nominee must be a U.S. company or institution that demonstrates success in export—either exporting for the first time or entering a new market. Typically, one to four Minnesota companies receive the award annually.

As part of the presentation, Sánchez, Schiff and several associates toured Horton’s Roseville facility, including the Hugh K. Schilling Technology Center. This center and Horton’s other research and development resources facilitate continuous product line expansion to provide maximum efficiency, increased airflow, improved engine performance, reduced operating noise and fuel savings.

International trade and exporting have been one of Horton’s ongoing growth initiatives. Horton’s focus on innovation enables the company to exceed the rapidly changing requirements for reduced-emission engines in on- and off-highway vehicles and equipment throughout the world.