February 21, 2012
State set new exports record in 2011; Governor's Missouri Works strategy will continue this momentum to increase exports and create jobs
Gov. Nixon visits Springfield business to discuss Missouri's record export growth
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today visited Custom Metalcraft in Springfield to talk about Missouri exports, which grew to $14.1 billion in 2011 - breaking a state record for exports set in 2007.
"Last year, we set a new record for Missouri exports, which are in demand around the world," Gov. Nixon said. "Under the Missouri Works strategy, we'll continue this momentum so that businesses in the Show-Me State can create jobs and grow. My top priority for 2012 is to continue to create jobs and move our economy forward, and we know that selling more Missouri-made products overseas creates jobs here at home."
Under Missouri Works - Gov. Nixon's specific job-creation strategy - the state of Missouri will establish a 'one-stop shop' to provide seamless assistance and resources from across state government to entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand their export business. Missouri Works also will establish an International Exports Coordinator within the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and open new Missouri export offices in China, southeast Asia and South America.
Last October, Gov. Nixon led a delegation of more than 60 Missouri business and agricultural leaders to China to close a series of agreements to sell $4.6 billion in Missouri goods to Chinese consumers, increasing Missouri's exports to China by more than $1 billion over the next three years.
Custom Metalcraft is a leading global provider of stainless-steel processing equipment for the food, beverage, chemical, petroleum and pharmaceutical industries. The company was formed in 1977 and has 165 employees at its Springfield facility.
With a strong customer base in Mexico and Canada, job-creators like Custom Metalcraft are part of the reason Missouri's unemployment rate is now at its lowest point in three years, and groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are pointing to Missouri as a top state for business growth and expansion, the Governor said.
For more information on how Missouri businesses can increase their exports, please visit MO.gov.