Upstate Firms receive National Recognition

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service (USCS) recognized Allegro Industries and Tactical Medical Solutions Inc. with the agency’s Export Achievement award today.  The award was presented to the companies by the S.C. District Export Council’s Chair, James Cox, and Vice Chair, Pat Fosberry, during the “Agents, Distributors and Preparations for Export Success” workshop at the Clemson University Small Business Development Center. The Export Achievement Certificate recognizes small- and medium-sized enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace for the first time, or that have successfully entered a new market. Piedmont-based Allegro Industries manufactures industrial safety products for industrial workers and contractors. The company has continued to grow, providing jobs in the U.S. and expanding sales abroad. Allegro’s recognition was for the company’s entry into the German market. “With the help of the U. S. Commercial Service, Allegro was able to attend and display at the A+A exposition in Dusseldorf,” said company president Tom Johnston. “As a result, we were able to expand our existing business in a number of different countries and secure new business in several key locations in Europe.  It is difficult to expand overseas and we appreciate the support from USCS.  We will continue to work with them and want to thank Denis and everyone at USCS who have worked with Allegro.” Located in Anderson, Tactical Medical Solutions Inc. manufactures medical and trauma kits for military, law enforcement and first responders. The company utilized the USCS Greenville office for export assistance to enter into the Colombia market. The company participated in a trade mission which led to a local distributor in Bogotá.  “The ability to partner with our local USCS representative on a systematic approach for qualifying new potential international partners allows us to grow this global presence exponentially. This collaboration allows the company to grow its workforce and presence in South Carolina,” said TacMed CEO Ross Johnson. “Tactical Medical Solutions and Allegro Industries epitomize the determination and resourcefulness of small- and medium-size manufacturers in the Upstate who look to expand their global sales through area networking, statewide resources and managerial commitment, added Denis Csizmadia, manager of the USCS’s Greenville Export Assistance Center.