Vanmark Equipment, with its headquarters in Creston, Iowa has received the Annual Iowa International Trade Award.
Vanmark Equipment specializes in equipment for peeling, scrubbing and washing, inspecting, storing, conveying and handling of produce, including potatoes. Vanmark also owns GME International, manufacturer of hydro-cutting systems.
Approximately 45 percent of Vanmark’s sales are in the international market place. Of the 35 countries where Vanmark does business, India has become the largest market for the company.
The equipment manufacturer also has substantial sales in Australia, Japan, China, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Norway, South Africa, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Last year, Vanmark achieved gross sales of more than $10 million, including 41 percent that were export sales. Vanmark has grown its export sales 50 percent throughout the past three years. Recently, the company acquired its largest equipment sales contract in the past 25 years.
The Annual Iowa International Trade Award is given to a regional business as nominated by their peers. The winner is selected for excellence and invocation in International trade. The award was presented to Vanmark by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds at the International Trade Seminar event on April 19, 2013.