COE Press Equipment, a provider of coil processing solutions to metal stampers and fabricators, announced that President Hunter Coe and Director of Sales Jeff Grivas recently participated in a trade mission to Chile and Columbia facilitated by Automation Alley and sponsored in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. As the first trade mission to these countries by these groups, the goal was to establish business connections that would open the potential of exporting goods and services.

“As the second and third fastest growing Latin American economies, Columbia and Chile offer great opportunities for manufacturers” said Hunter Coe. “This growth, in conjunction with both countries’ free trade agreements with the U.S. provide real potential for business in these regions. This trade mission, which was exceptionally run, provided us the relationships we need to enact a strategy for conducting commerce with these countries.”

Seven other Michigan companies participated in the trip, which was led by Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. Each company was matched directly to potential end users, distributors, joint-venture partners, and/or technology licensees as well as introduced to government officials and business leaders who could provide information on how to successfully enter these markets.

COE Press Equipment, established in 1976, has a strong network of manufacturing representatives across the United States and Canada. Additionally, the company has experienced success in supplying its coil processing equipment to Mexico with nearly 200 installations and also has representation in India, China, and Brazil.

Photo Ref: (L to R) U.S. Ambassador to Chile Mike Hammer, COE Press Equipment President Hunter Coe, and Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Called