Pure
Michigan Export Program
Company: Gougeon
Brothers, Inc.
Location: Bay City , MI
Products/Industry: Epoxy
Resins
Top 5 Countries
Exporting to: Canada , Mexico , China ,
Korea , Japan
STEP Grant Amount
Received:
Forty-five years ago, Gougeon Brothers, Inc. began
manufacturing epoxy resins to create boats while operating their own iceboat
business. In 1975, the Gougeon Brothers sold their iceboat business and decided
to concentrate on selling epoxy and building larger and customized boats. Since
then, their products have been used in many things from architectural
restoration to the development of high-tech aircraft and spacecraft.
Thirty years ago, they began manufacturing on an
international scale. They now globally operate under licenses in Europe, Australia and New
Zealand while still operating and exporting to China , Korea
and the Philippines from
their location in America .
Since 2012, Gougeon Brothers, Inc. has received STEP grant
incentive from the Pure Michigan Export Program, part of the Michigan Economic
Development Council (MEDC). With the STEP grand incentive, Gougeon was able to
attend composite shows in Europe and also participate in trade shows in Korea and China . With the grant incentive
they were able to translate marketing literature and trade show products and
signage for international ventures. With the
help of the Pure Michigan Export Program, Gougeon Brothers, Inc. was
able to travel to international distributors and made new business deals as a
result.
“While the Pure Michigan Export Program provides many
opportunities and programs to strengthen companies, our business is in a really
niche market,” said Alan Gurski, president and CEO of Gougeon Brothers, Inc.
“This makes it difficult for many programs to apply to our trade. Thankfully,
we are able to utilize the help and services of the STEP grant funds and
staff.”
Gurski finds that the staff at the MEDC have been
exceptionally helpful about identifying qualified uses of the STEP grant incentives
as well as helping develop a budget. Gougeon praises the program on its ability
to help businesses wade through the confusion of the paperwork process and says
that they are helpful in notifying them of opportunities. The total return on
investment with the help of the STEP grant for their marketing efforts in China and South Korea is
40.53%.
“The MEDC and their partner agencies are doing a great job
of providing an opportunity for helping Michigan
exporters,” says Gurski. “It’s a really great thing for our state as a tax
payer and recipient. Further, their responsibility as a taxpayer has shown to
be professional. They make sure that misuse of the funds does not occur.”