Richmond - Nine Virginia companies participated in the Paris Air Show in June in Lebourget, Paris, France. Various firms made quality connections at the show while promoting international business for the Commonwealth. Participating firms included:
Aerospace Corporation, Arlington: Provides support in all fields of research, development, engineering, acquisitions, operations and program management for space-related programs.
AIMS Enterprises, Manassas: Provides a full range of manufacturing services and logistical support for a variety of aerospace and defense systems.
ATP/Marion Composites, Marion: A division of Advanced Technical Products, Inc., the firm is a designer and manufacturer of aircraft nose radomes, advanced composite structures, mobile shelter systems and modular prison cells.
Burger Cooling Tower, McLean: Specializes in designing and fabricating cooling towers.
Butler Parachutes, Roanoke: Specializes in engineering and manufacturing personnel parachutes, recovery systems and related items. The firm also provides recovery systems design, consulting, manufacturing and testing services to government agencies, aerospace firms and other parachute companies.
Collier Research, Hampton: Provides aerospace structural analysis and produces sizing software for preliminary and detailed design. Applications include space launch, military and civil aircraft.
DynSpace, Reston: Provides low cost space launch support services to low earth orbit customers.
Flight International, Newport News: Offers electronic warfare training, airborne target towing, special mission aircraft modifications and corporate jet maintenance.
Gemini Air Cargo, Dulles: Delivers on-time quality service with a fleet of DC10-30 Freighter aircraft.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) assisted the companies in the weeklong event to help promote the Commonwealth’s business assets to aerospace firms.
AIMS Enterprises established eight partnerships with aerospace firms from around the world at the show. Resistoflex of Jacksonville, Florida has chosen AIMS as its distribution and sales center. The company also initiated talks with SOGERMA, a French aircraft maintenance center, and SABCA, a Belgium firm, to use AIMS as their U.S. parts and accessories company.
Gemini Air Cargo initiated five sales leads, with one $15 million sale expected in six months. "VEDP provided excellent support and the exhibit was very well organized," said W.D. Stockbridge, Gemini President and CEO. "We are very interested in participating with the Partnership in the future."
DynSpace made significant contacts as well. The company’s purpose at the trade show was to gain market awareness. "The VEDP booth was a major success and we strongly encourage other Virginia aerospace companies to participate in this show in the future," said DynSpace President Bob Packer.
The Virginia General Assembly created the VEDP in 1995 to encourage, stimulate and support the development and expansion of the Commonwealth’s economy. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. VEDP’s Division of International Trade is charged with assisting Virginia companies that wish to expand their exports into international markets.
######