Pure Michigan Export
Program
Company: Dunn Paper Inc.
Location: Port Huron, MI
Products/Industry: Specialty Paper Manufacturing
Top Countries Exporting to: Canada, Latin America (Mexico,
Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador) Africa (South Africa), Asia (China, Israel,
Indonesia)
In 1924, a paper mill in Port Huron, Mich., Curtis Specialty
Paper Inc., was just getting started. Years later, the paper mill was forced to
close like many other industry leaders around the country. But in 2003 the mill
was up and running again under new a company name—Dunn Paper Inc., and its been
running ever since.
Today, Dunn Paper Inc. is a leading manufacturer of
specialty papers for high performance and niche applications. Their wide
variety of products boasts paper for all types of purposes; waxed paper for
food services, metalized paper for gift wraps and beverage labels, and single
coated paper for coffee, candy and merchandise among additional specialty
papers. Aside from its wide range of
products, the Michigan-based company prides itself on having a remarkable
international presence while being driven by local community values.
For several years, Dunn Paper
Inc. has received STEP grant incentives from the Pure Michigan Export Program
part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Most recently, Dunn
Papers was able to meet with potential international distributers, attend professional
workshops in Michigan, network with leaders in international trade, and increase
their global exports each year the company has received STEP grant incentive
funding.
“The Pure Michigan Export
Program has provided our company with valuable tools for international trade
success,” said Greg Lawson, representative from Dunn Paper. “Thanks to support
from the export program, our company has been able to move into specific and
valuable niche markets worldwide, which has greatly impacted our mill’s growth.”
Dunn Paper Inc. is looking ahead to how it will complete its
2014 goals. The mill has already broken into new markets in more countries than
ever before, and the company expects that trend to continue next year.
“China is one country we are looking forward to doing more
business with next year,” said
Greg Lawson. “It’s always been a struggle finding out how to break into
the Chinese market, but the export program has helped to connect us to the
right government officials for the job. We expect our increased presence in
China to boost our sales in 2014.”
Dunn Paper believes the staff at the Pure Michigan Export
Program has been very helpful, and they expect to continue to build connections
with their staff in 2014. Specifically, export program representatives have
helped Dunn Paper Inc. locate new international niche markets, work with
international government agencies, build contacts, and meet with other
Michigan-based industry leaders.
Overall, Dunn Paper’s return on investment (ROI) has been
positive while working with the Pure Michigan Export Program. Because the paper
industry is so highly competitive, the company keeps the specifics of its ROI
classified. However, Dunn Paper Inc. believes that the Pure Michigan Export
Program has significantly helped to improve the company’s return on investment.
Overall, Dunn Paper Inc. is grateful for the experience of
being involved with the Pure Michigan Export Program. Representatives from Dunn
Paper say the paper manufacturing industry is littered with cut-throat
competition. The export program has significantly helped Dunn Paper Inc.
provide a consistent business environment allowing the paper mill to operate
for many years, unlike so many other industry competitors.