Pure
Michigan
Export Program
Company: Duperon Corporation
Location: Saginaw , Michigan
Products/Industry: Liquid/Solid
Separation Technology
Top 5 Countries Exporting to: Mexico , Canada ,
Columbia , Peru ,
Iraq
With the goal of protecting water pumps in mind, Terry
Duperon used his experience working with pumps and pumping and his knowledge of
the effects of water-borne debris to create the Duperon Self-Cleaning Trashrack
in 1979. After this product found success internationally with tough storm-water
and flood control applications, the Duperon Corporation was established in
1985. The company has since developed screening technology and liquid/solid
separating technologies with the intent of multiple functionality in each
component.
Today, Duperon continues learning the dynamics of exporting from a hands-on perspective,
including utilizing STEP fund incentives. Duperon’s first experience
with the Pure Michigan Export Program began with its entrance into the Mexican, Colombian, Peruvian and Iraqi
markets. As the company entered into these foreign markets with language
barriers, the STEP grant incentives were used to translate existing marketing
materials, including Duperon’s website, Operation and Maintenance manuals,
standard equipment specifications, and product literature. The funds were also
used to generate new materials, including tradeshow graphics and a video
translation in Spanish for Internet use.
In addition to
entering these new markets, funds provided by the STEP grant incentives allowed
Duperon to further develop underperforming markets in Canada . Duperon participated in
tradeshows, arranged mobile demonstrations for market education, and recruited
new representation. During this process, Duperon had the chance to leverage
programs with the US Commercial Services, like the Gold Key Service, and
invested in international marketing research.
“The assistance
we received from the international trade development managers at Pure Michigan
Export Program was vital in Duperon Corporation’s participation in the STEP
program,” said Sarah Bernier, market developer for Duperon. “From answering our initial questions to
maximizing the program’s benefits, they have become important team
members in Duperon’s international business development.”
After working
with the Pure Michigan Export Program, Duperon has averaged about 20% ROI
collectively on its international endeavors.
Considering its project life cycles typically have a 1-5 year span,
Duperon is doing initial market developmental work that tops its more radical
projections by creating profitability within two years.
The Pure Michigan
Export Program has served to be an essential resource for Duperon. The program
has continued to make the company aware of export opportunities locally and
abroad, and introduced valuable new resources such as the
Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG). It has also promoted Duperon’s export
success story to the Michigan Governor’s Office.
“The STEP grant
funds are a tremendous support in maximizing our financing of international
undertakings,” said Bernier. “With this resource, we are able to expand the
footprint of our existing markets and develop markets in new countries
simultaneously. We are full of gratitude not only for the STEP
grant funding, but for the Pure Michigan Export Program’s support and
friendship.”