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FCX Receives Presidential Award For Export Successes

Morgantown-based FCX Systems, a participant in TechConnect West Virginia’s Innovation Adoption Program (IAP), was awarded the President’s “E” Star Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, fcx_logoDC in mid-May. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

“FCX Systems has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion”, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the Morgantown firm announcing its selection as an award recipient. “The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with FCX Systems’ more than 300 percent growth in export sales from 2012-2015. The company’s adaptation of its product line for export markets was also particularly notable. FCX Systems’ achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

FCX Systems is a manufacturing firm specializing in solid-state frequency converters and ground power support for military, industrial, commercial and shore power around the world. Since 1987, FCX units have been installed on every continent and in more than 75 countries. The firm employs 70 people at its headquarters in the Chaplin Hill Business Park.

“Exporting continues to be a contributor to our sales growth, and we are honored to receive the “E” Star Award,” said Craig Walker, FCX Systems president and CEO. “During the past 20 years, FCX has grown our exports exponentially and we look forward to the next 20 years and new opportunities to further expand our business internationally through our network of global partners.”

TechConnect West Virginia works to help West Virginia’s manufacturing sector grow through various initiatives, including the Innovation Adoption Program (IAP).

The IAP was designed to help West Virginia’s small and mid-sized manufacturers benefit from the broad range of expertise available through the state’s nonprofit research and design-capable organizations.

In 2014, the program connected FCX Systems with the WV Manufacturing Extension Partnership to position its products for growth in the aviation industry, strengthening the company’s position in that market.

Anne Barth, TechConnect West Virginia’s executive director, said the project with FCX Systems and WVMEP is a natural fit with the organization’s mission.

“An important part of Tech Connect West Virginia’s mission is to help grow our state’s economy through innovation,” Barth said. “We’re excited to help a West Virginia manufacturer like FCX Systems.”

FCX Systems was awarded the “E” Award for Exports in 2000, a requirement to receive the “E” Star Award for Exports, and is the first company in West Virginia to be recognized with both awards.

“FCX Systems is an example for other small business in West Virginia, proving that being proactive when doing international business, pays off,” said Diego Gattesco, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center in Wheeling, W.Va. “Traveling, meeting and developing a relationship with your partners and buyers overseas is crucial to grow your export business,” he added. “Congratulations to FCX Systems for this well-deserved, prestigious award.”

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting the winners.

For more information about FCX Systems, visit www.fcxinc.com.