Governor Recognizes 2 Waukesha Companies

Two Waukesha companies received the 2011 Export Achievement Awards from Gov. Scott Walker and were honored Tuesday during the 47th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee.

“These Wisconsin companies serve as excellent examples of how to succeed in international markets,” Walker said in a news release. “I am proud to highlight these firms that are proving that Wisconsin can succeed and prosper despite the ups and downs of the global economy.”

GE Healthcare was recognized in the Large Hi-Tech division for its five manufacturing facilities and distribution center. The news release from Walker states the company employs more than 5,900 people in Wisconsin and represents $1.5 billion of the $2.2 billion medical and scientific instruments industry coming from Wisconsin.

GE Healthcare has increased exports by 46 percent to Brazil, 67 percent to China and 137 percent to Switzerland. GE Healthcare also received the award in 1981 and 1991, according to the news release.

Hydro-Thermal Corporation, a family-owned business that began in 1964, received the award in the small manufacturing category. Hydro-Thermal employs 64 people – 59 of which live in Wisconsin, according to the news release.

The manufacturing company advanced its focus on international efforts in 2005 and has taken its export sales to 27 percent of total sales, according to the news release.