[ST. PAUL, MN] – Five companies received a Governor’s International Trade Award today for showing exceptional progress and success in exports to foreign markets and foreign direct investment. In addition to honoring individual recipients, the awards recognize the tremendous positive effect that exports and trade have on the state’s overall economy and the trust of international companies setting up their businesses in Minnesota.
This year’s recipients of the Governor’s International Trade Awards and International Investment Award are:
- Augustine Surgical Incorporated, Eden Prairie;
- International Feed Corporation, Excelsior;
- Nuwellis Incorporated, Eden Prairie;
- Takeda, Brooklyn Park;
- SICK Inc, based in Germany with a location in Minneapolis.
“This year’s award winners are among many companies based in Minnesota, or with locations in Minnesota, that deliver our state’s products to all the corners of the world,” said Governor Walz . “A diversified global trade network helps ensure that Minnesota’s economy remains strong as we continue to showcase our ingenuity and innovation on the global stage.”
“The Minnesota Trade Office is committed to supporting Minnesota companies in expanding their exports to nations around the world and to encouraging foreign-owned companies to establish locations in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “It is privilege to honor these businesses today.”
“It is an honor to recognize these outstanding companies for their remarkable export achievements and impactful investments in the state” said Gabrielle Gerbaud, Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office. “Best wishes for continued growth and success to the award recipients and Minnesota’s entire international business community.”
“International trade is critical to Minnesota’s economy, and we’ve been fortunate to be a leader in so many sectors thanks to innovation and investments,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Congratulations to these businesses receiving this honor.”
2021 Governor’s International Trade Award Winners
Augustine Surgical, Inc. (ASI), (Manufactured Goods: Small to Medium-Sized Company) based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a small Minnesota-owned business that designs and manufactures innovative medical devices, including reusable patient warming, for hospitals, surgery centers and veterinary clinics.
International Feed Corporation (Agricultural Commodities/Processed Food: Small to Medium-Sized Company), based in Excelsior, is an innovative commodity trading company with an expertise in logistics, working with processing facilities, grain elevators and farmers directly to source high quality grains and feed ingredients for overseas customers.
Nuwellis, Inc. (Services: Small to Medium-Sized Company), based in Minneapolis with a wholly owned subsidiary in Ireland, is a medical device company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients suffering from fluid imbalance in pediatric, critical care and cardiac care settings.
Takeda (Large Company) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan with a location in Brooklyn Park, committed to discovering and delivering life-transforming treatments, with research and development efforts focused on four therapeutic areas: oncology; gastroenterology (GI); rare diseases; and neuroscience.
SICK, Inc (International Investment Award), headquartered in Germany with a location in Minneapolis, is a manufacturer of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, encoders and automatic identification products for industrial applications.
About the Minnesota Trade Office
Minnesota Trade Office (MTO), an office within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is focused on increasing state export sales in foreign markets and attracting foreign direct investment to Minnesota. The MTO promotes international trade through technical assistance, export education and training programs, trade promotion activities, services by offices in strategic overseas locations, and export expansion grants. State STEP grants (50% matching up to $7,500) support a range of export development activities, including participation in virtual and in-person trade shows and missions. The MTO also serves as Minnesota’s Office of Protocol, ensuring that the state’s interactions with foreign delegations and dignitaries are conducted with appropriate diplomatic etiquette and cultural practices.
About DEED
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more information about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.
