RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Colonial Heights company, MGC Advanced Polymers, Inc., into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. 

MGC Advanced Polymers joins the program as part of the 15th class of VALET companies. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. Currently, more than 100 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program. 

In 2003 MGC Advanced Polymers, Inc., invested and licensed by Japanese chemical manufacturer Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC), constructed a proprietary state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Colonial Heights, Virginia, to produce MX Nylon, a polymer used in engineering plastics and food packaging. This 30 acre facility was selected for its proximity to customers, its ready access to major transportation corridors and the availability of knowledgeable employees skilled in the production of polymers. With an initial production capacity of 24 million lbs/year, this highly automated facility is designed for ease of expansion. This facility increases the global supply of MX Nylon by augmenting current capacity in Niigata, Japan. MGC and MGC Advanced Polymers are poised and well positioned for success in supplying the needs of the global market for its products.

Plant Manager Susanna Chait is enthusiastic about the VALET program after completion of two successful mission trips this year (Mexico and South America). “Our experience from our mission trips showed us that there are many customers that would benefit from the unique properties of our product. As a small company, we realized that we needed assistance obtaining the tools and information needed to develop new markets and customers. We believe that the VALET program will help us expand into new areas and compliment the gains made by our MGC counterparts.”

The VALET program incorporates services from a team of experienced international service providers who assist the VALET companies with their international goals. Service providers such as attorneys, Web designers, bankers, translators and freight-forwarders contribute essential skills for expansion into international markets.

“VALET welcomes MGC Advanced Polymers into the program,” said Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager. “We look forward to working with its international team over the course of the next two years to assist the company in exceeding export goals.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Division of International Trade earned the coveted President's "E Star" Award for Export Service. The President's "E Star" Award was created in 1969 to recognize continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. Only previous recipients of the "E" Award are eligible, and the period of consideration covers the most recent three years of export operation. During the 2005-2007 period of consideration, VEDP's International Trade Division assisted more than 100 Virginia companies through its export development programs, Accessing International Markets (AIM) and Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET).

NASBITE International, a multi-national professional trade organization, awarded its 2007 Program Excellence Award to the VEDP Division of International Trade’s VALET program. The Program Excellence Award is given to recognize innovation and originality in international trade education, counseling, training and research. The VALET program stood out because of its successful pairing of resources, state funding and private-sector support to promote and expand international sales for Virginia companies. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan.

To learn more about the VALET program, contact Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager, at LParpart [at] YesVirginia.org or visit the programs tab at www.ExportVirginia.org.