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basic-guide-to-exporting_Latest_eg_main_086196

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Success S<strong>to</strong>ryCleaning Up in New MarketsJet IncorporatedThe CompanyJet Incorporated of Cleveland, Ohio, was foundedin 1955 <strong>to</strong> replace septic tanks with advancedtechnology, treating wastewater using a smaller,cleaner system. Over the years, the companyexpanded in<strong>to</strong> commercial systems (“smallpackage plants”) for decentralized locations suchas small villages, hotels, and <strong>to</strong>urist resorts.In short, Jet provides biological wastewatertreatment solutions. Wastewater enters a tank,solids are digested by aerobic bacteria, and air isinjected <strong>to</strong> promote bacteria growth—speedingup the digestion process.Company founder David MacLaren made<strong>exporting</strong> his goal right from the start, and heobtained patents in several countries.The ChallengeAccording <strong>to</strong> Jet’s CEO Ron Swinko, the mostsignificant challenge has been servicinginternational distribu<strong>to</strong>rs. Because somecountries have lax environmental r<strong>eg</strong>ulations,the distribu<strong>to</strong>rs must be convinced of theproduct’s merits—and this means educating thedistribu<strong>to</strong>rs.According <strong>to</strong> Swinko: “Developing countries maybe focused on environmental sustainability, even<strong>to</strong> a greater extent than we are here in the UnitedStates, because of the scarcity of water. But theymay not necessarily understand the benefit ofr<strong>eg</strong>ulation or the equipment that’s available.”Swinko said it’s important <strong>to</strong> have enoughinven<strong>to</strong>ry for immediate shipment <strong>to</strong> meetdistribu<strong>to</strong>rs’ demands. It’s essential <strong>to</strong> understandexport r<strong>eg</strong>ulation and documentationrequirements for each country, as well as <strong>to</strong>provide needed technical support for installedsystems. Providing support often involves trainingthe distribu<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> service the equipment, havingsupport personnel available by phone at oddhours, and, if all else fails, being prepared <strong>to</strong>dispatch technicians from the United States.Jet discovered the importance of expanding itseducation program <strong>to</strong> include local r<strong>eg</strong>ula<strong>to</strong>rs.“In the Cayman Islands and in Kenya, we hosteda seminar on wastewater management for the214U.S. Commercial Service • A Basic Guide <strong>to</strong> Exporting

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