Mission includes exhibiting at London show for six Utah firms

Six Utah companies exhibited their products last week at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show. The trade show was part of a trade mission to London led by World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Sept. 11-15.

“The DSEI trade show provides an opportunity for Utah’s aerospace and defense companies to showcase the incredible products coming out of the Beehive State and meet new international customers,” said Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of WTC Utah. “About half of the companies joining us at the DSEI trade show have attended before, which shows that this event has value for aerospace and defense companies looking to expand internationally.” 

The annual DSEI trade show brings together the global defense and security sectors to innovate, share knowledge and build valuable business connections. More than 1,600 companies from around the world exhibited at the trade show this year. More than 34,000 people attended the 2017 show and an estimated 76 percent of those visitors are involved in the purchasing process for their companies.

“This is an important trade show that enabled us to establish valuable relationships with business leaders in the aerospace and defense industries,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “This is a great opportunity for Utah companies to learn about existing business prospects, the challenges associated with doing business internationally and how to effectively work together.”

In addition to the trade show, the trade mission included a market briefing, networking receptions and a tour of the London Gateway Port. The Utah delegation toured the London Gateway Port to learn about economic advantages and challenges associated with having a port. The information collected will be used to help determine if creating an inland port in Utah is feasible and makes sense economically. 

The aerospace and defense industry is an important part of Utah’s economy, GOED said in a press statement about the trade mission. About 10 percent of Utah’s 2016 exports were from the aerospace and defense industry. Utah exports these products all over the world, including to Germany, Japan, Netherlands, China and Canada. 

Businesses participating in the London trade mission and DSEI trade show were HEI Security, Robinson Armament Co., Spire Ranges, Haight Bey & Associates, VPI Technology and Fatpipe Inc.