W S Darley Co

Governor Doyle announces annual export achievement awards. - WAOW ...

WAUSAU  (WAOW)  -- According to a press release from Governor Doyle's office, Governor Jim Doyle today presented his annual Export Achievement Awards recognizing Wisconsin firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international sales or have contributed to Wisconsin's increased ability to compete in a global market.  Wisconsin firms set an export record last year by exporting $20.6 billion worth of products, an overall increase of over 9 percent, in spite of a global economic crisis that led to a slight 1.6 percent decline in exports during the final quarter of 2008. 

"In spite of a global economic crisis, Wisconsin's export growth continues to climb, a reflection of the hardworking people of Wisconsin and the outstanding products our businesses make," Governor Doyle said.  "I'm proud to recognize these Wisconsin companies and institutions that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in responding successfully to international market challenges. They are building a great name for Wisconsin around the globe."

Wisconsin's exports have grown more than 92 percent since Governor Doyle took office.  In 2008, Wisconsin's top 5 export destinations were Canada, Mexico, China, Germany, and Japan.  Wisconsin's top exported products included machinery, medical instruments, vehicles, paper, and plastic.

The Export Achievement Awards are presented to state companies actively involved in export trade.  Criteria include degree of export-related growth; innovative techniques and approaches that resulted in the company's success; and demonstration of extra effort in capturing worldwide markets.

The award winners are as follows:

Small Manufacturing Exporter

W.S. Darley & Co., Chippewa Falls

W.S. Darley & Co. builds fire trucks, manufactures fire pumps, and sells fire fighting and emergency equipment through international catalogs, distributors, and the Internet.  The firm has had manufacturing operations in the state since 1933.  W.S. Darley has been exporting for over 70 years and currently sells to over 95 countries.  During the past three years, the firm has averaged over $16 million in export sales.  In 2008, W.S. Darley & Co. added 20 new jobs in Wisconsin; invested over $4.2 million in machinery and equipment; and constructed a $1.2- million building addition at its Chippewa Falls manufacturing plant in order to handle some of those growing exports.

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