2007-6-7

 

Connecticut, USA –Gerber Technology, received the President's "E" Award, the nation's highest award to honour American exporters, in a ceremony in Washington D.C. attended by President George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez.

The "E" Award was created by Executive Order of the President on December 5, 1961 as the nation's highest award to honour American exporters. "E" Awards, which are administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognise firms and organizations for their competitive achievements in world markets, as well as the benefits of their success to the U.S. economy. Gerber Scientific is one of only 11 companies nationwide to receive the award this year.

In presenting the award, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez stated, "Gerber Technology has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. Your export sales are impressive and your commitment to serve the needs of your customers in 125 countries with training, materials in the local language and assistance at all times is particularly noteworthy." He added, "Gerber Technology's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs."

Gerber Technology's export sales numbers grew more than 15 percent from 2002 to 2005. Last fiscal year Gerber Technology generated 75 percent of its product revenue from sales to companies outside the United States, representing an additional 20 percent growth.

"Gerber Technology has exported products for most of its nearly 40 year history," said Marc T. Giles, President and CEO of Gerber Scientific, Inc. "To be recognized by the Department of Commerce with this prestigious award is indeed an honour for Gerber Technology, and a powerful validation of the effectiveness of our international strategy."

 

 

Referring to the President’s “E” Award, James S. Arthurs, President of Gerber Scientific Inc, Asia-Pacific & Chairman of Gerber Technology said, “this is a highly emotional moment and a tribute to all our employees, agents and distributors who have contributed over the years to help make this happen. We established the International Division of Gerber Technology in 1980 and the first regional office to be set up was in Hong Kong to develop the Asian market”.  He added, “continuous industrial migration and development around the world created dynamic growth in the region and companies in many countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Vietnam and others, began to introduce Gerber’s automation systems and software in the apparel and automotive industries”. Arthurs pointed out, ”our export achievements are the result of correctly identifying industry trends which strongly impacted Asia, adjusting our business direction and having the conviction to develop new products specifically targeted at the needs of the region.”

 

 

Gerber Technology's world headquarters is located in Tolland, Conn., U.S.A. with regional offices, agents and distributors in 125 countries. The division has a highly developed distribution channel with 25 sales and service offices in China alone. It employs more than 700 individuals directly and over 500 indirectly through its worldwide sales and support network. Gerber Technology serves its customers through eleven Customer Solutions Centers on six continents, and also maintains three Advanced Technology Centres in Brussels, Belgium; Connecticut, USA; and Shanghai, China with a fourth currently being established in HoChiMinh City, Vietnam.