WMEP ExporTech™ Graduates Hydro-Thermal and S3 AeroDefense Honored with President’s “E Star” Awards for Export Achievements
June 11, 2024
Guest Author
Uncategorized
Madison, Wis. – WMEP Manufacturing Solutions proudly announces that its ExporTech™ graduates, Hydro-Thermal and S3 AeroDefense, have received the prestigious President’s “E Star” Awards for Export Achievements, the highest recognition for U.S. entities contributing significantly to the expansion of U.S. exports.
Hydro-Thermal, led by CEO Jim Zaiser, was awarded the President’s Double “E Star” Award, an honor given to only five companies nationally. This award highlights Hydro-Thermal’s exceptional year-over-year export revenue increases over the past eleven years. The company, known for its Direct Steam Injection Jet Cookers, operates in 85 countries with five overseas offices.
Hydro-Thermal’s notable achievements include:
2010 Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY)
2011 Governor’s Award
2014 President’s “E” Award
2016 Governor’s Award
2016 Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY)
2018 President’s “E Star”
2024 President’s Double “E Star”
This recognition reflects our team’s dedication and our strategic focus on international expansion. ExporTech™ training has been crucial in achieving sustained export growth.”
Jim Zaiser, CEO – Hydro-Thermal
S3 AeroDefense, under CEO Aksel Sidem, received the President’s “E Star” Award, one of only six companies nationwide to earn this accolade in 2024. Founded in 2005, S3 AeroDefense has grown to 170 employees, with 70% of sales from international markets. The company provides aircraft aftermarket spare parts, component repair, and supply chain management services worldwide, focusing on expanding in Colombia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
S3 AeroDefense’s export achievements include:
2016 President’s “E” Award
2023 Governor’s Export Award
2024 President’s “E Star” Award
This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment. ExporTech™ introduced us to valuable resources and strategies that have significantly expanded our international market reach.”
Aksel Sidem, CEO – S3 AeroDefense
WMEP’s ExporTech™ Program is the only national program with graduates winning the President’s “E” and “E Star” Awards. Launched in 2010, ExporTech™ has transformed over 400 Wisconsin manufacturers into strategic exporters, averaging more than $1 million in new revenue within a year of program completion.
Gautam Malik, President of Gamber-Johnson, a previous “E Star” Award recipient, praised ExporTech™: “The combination of an exceptional program and Roxanne Baumann’s hands-on experience resulted in hundreds of American jobs and expanded our product reach to 52 countries.”
Roxanne Baumann, Director of Global Engagement at WMEP, added, “Strategic exporters make more money, and companies like Hydro-Thermal and S3 AeroDefense demonstrate what’s possible when using ExporTech™ to build robust global expansion plans.”
The President’s “E” Awards were revived by President Kennedy in 1961 to honor America’s top exporters. The “E Star” Award, authorized by the Secretary of Commerce, continues this recognition. This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the “E” Awards, with 64 U.S. companies and organizations honored.
Gina M. Raimondo
U.S. Secretary of Commerce
These companies have demonstrated exceptional commitment to export growth, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy’s strength.”
Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce
The next ExporTech™ session begins on August 26, 2024. Registration for the virtual 12-week program is open at WMEP ExporTech™ Registration. Scholarships are available through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), with a deadline of July 19, 2024. Contact Roxanne Baumann at [email protected] for pricing and scholarship details.
About WMEP Manufacturing Solutions: WMEP is dedicated to the growth of Wisconsin manufacturers. As part of the MEP National Network™, WMEP provides expert assistance to small and midsize manufacturers across the U.S.
About Hydro-Thermal: Hydro-Thermal develops direct steam injection systems for industrial processes, known for precision and durability, operating in 85 countries.
About S3 AeroDefense: S3 AeroDefense provides aerospace solutions, including aircraft aftermarket spare parts and component repair services, targeting markets in Colombia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
