ERIE, Pa. - After introducing a plastic fitting to the HVAC industry in 2006, DuraTite Systems™ LLC is now selling across the United States and in several key markets abroad. Through a combination of consulting, research, and market access grants, the Northwest Commission and the U.S. Commercial Services has helped DuraTite Systems solidify partners in Mexico, Qatar, and Australia, said the company.

“The key component in forging these working relationships is meeting face-to-face with your potential international customer,” said Jim Karnes, company founder and president. “Our advisors cautioned us that the foreign markets typically take six months to a year before returning a phone call or e-mail, and business relationships develop over time, but meeting them face-to-face and demonstrating the product has been the key in our success.”

DuraTite Systems has been able to evaluate potential markets and distributors, visit those markets to meet potential customers, and finalize the sales that make up 70 percent of the company’s revenue to date.

For more information, visit www.duratite.com.

Publication date:10/27/2008