Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that INFICON, located in East Syracuse, was presented with the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Exports by Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. The presentation of the “E” Award for Exports is considered the highest recognition for supporting export activity in the United States. Since 2009 INFICON has increased its export revenue from $35.5 million to $69.8 million.
“I am proud that President Obama and Secretary Blank chose to recognize INFICON with this esteemed award,” Senator Gillibrand said. “On a visit to INFICON earlier this year I saw firsthand how the company produces quality products and links the upstate New York to the global market through their exports. As the number of exports from INFICON increases, not only does it create more good-paying jobs but also fortifies our economy by ensuring a demand for products beyond our shores. ”
“INFICON is very pleased with the recognition of our over 250 New York-based scientists, engineers and manufacturing technicians who played such a vital role in winning the President of the United States “E” Award for Export Leadership,” said Peter Maier, President of INFICON. “The focus on growing INFICON exports has been a significant challenge for our company and our employees. The diverse geographic sales mix has enabled INFICON with consistent profitable growth and financial stability. While INFICON continues to face fierce global competition, we are successfully gaining market share due to our successful long term strategies. As a direct result of the successful growth of our export business, INFICON is proud to say that we have added new high paying jobs during the past three years and that all INFICON employees have received an average annual bonus of 19 percent each of the last three years.”
INFICON produces critical sensor technologies, advanced process control software, gas analyzers, leak detectors, and portable chemical identification systems used in emergency response, environmental health and safety, semiconductor, air conditioning, refrigeration and automotive manufacturing industries. About 70 percent of all the products manufactured in Syracuse are exported. INFICON has been in business for over 40 years and of the 290 employees over 80 percent are locally based.
Senator Gillibrand is a strong advocate for local manufacturing and working to enable other companies to emulate INFICON’s success. In February 2013, Gillibrand toured INFICON’s manufacturing and exporting operations while promoting her Made in America Manufacturing Act, which encourages state and regional public-private partnerships to design and implement comprehensive strategies that spur growth in local manufacturing industries, including expanding exporting opportunities for companies like INFICON.
This year marks the 51st year of the award. A record number of 57 companies, organizations, and institutions were honored nationwide. “E” Award recipients contribute to the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI), which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014 in order to support American jobs.