Converting equipment technology company CMD Corp. has earned the Wisconsin’s Export Achievement Award for 2017.

“CMD is an outstanding example of how developing and executing a proactive exporting strategy can be a real factor in a company’s overall growth,” says Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. “More Wisconsin businesses are recognizing the importance of being part of the global economy, and I commend this year’s award winners for their role in the state’s overall exporting success.”

The award, which was presented by Gov. Walker at the 53rd annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee, honors businesses that have achieved significant growth or implemented innovative strategies in exporting. Nominees were evaluated on measurable export growth, innovation and contributions to the state’s overall economy, and trade development.

“This year’s winners – like many Wisconsin companies – realize they need to look beyond the U.S. borders to capitalize on the demographic shifts that are creating new demands internationally for products and services,” says Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., which oversees the awards program. “Exporting is no longer a luxury of large global corporations. Small- and medium-size companies must be active as well if they want to continue growing, as this year’s winners have demonstrated.”

Founded in 1980, CMD Corp. designs, manufactures and services high-performance converting machinery to produce plastic bags, pouches and flexible packaging. Since 2013, the firm has seen a 66 percent increase in its exports, which have played an instrumental role in the company’s overall growth. In the past three years, CMD has expanded sales into southern Europe, Middle East and Central America. Employment at CMD is up 46 percent since 2013.

“CMD has installations in over 40 countries, and our work on developing a market-focused culture has helped us grow our international footprint and jobs here in Wisconsin,” says Steve Sakai, CMD president. “We would like to thank WEDC for its support of our international sales and marketing efforts, including participation in important global trade shows, and our employees and our international agents for their dedication and hard work.”

In addition to two other winners – Connoils LLC and Lucigen Corp. – there were nine semi-finalists for the award.

CMD Corp.

(920) 730-6888; www.cmd-corp.com