Montana World Trade Center Trade Mission to New Zealand Generates Sales for Montana Products

Conrad-based Kaptain Inc. has sold one mechanical roping steer a week to Australia and New Zealand since participating in a spring trade mission to those countries. The trip was organized by the Montana World Trade Center at The University of Montana.

The mission was Kaptain Inc.’s first foray into international sales and has proved there is a demand overseas for this Montana-made product.

http://www.umt.edu/urelations/releases/2004/051404mwtc.htm

“The sight of two men with cowboy hats in the front seat with Sparky, the name given to Kaptain’s mechanical steer, in the backseat of a rental car driving down the highways of Australia and New Zealand is forever etched in my mind,” said Fraser McLeay, MWTC senior manager. “This was pounding the pavement at its best, and we could not be more pleased that this Montana product is on its way to becoming a staple in the rodeo and roping arenas of Australia and New Zealand, just like it is here in the states.”

Simm’s Fishing of Bozeman also was a part of the mission, making valuable contacts with several established distributors and retailers. Missoula-based Technical Sourcing International had successful meetings in both New Zealand and Australia and is set to increase the level of business it conducts in both countries.

There also has been success reported from the Palmerston North art exhibit in New Zealand, which currently features art from more than 29 different Montana artists.

“We sold over $10,000 worth of art on opening night,” said MWTC’s Geoff Sutton, “and more positive news is developing with each passing week. We have even received inquiries from Australia galleries who have heard about the exhibit and want it in their country.”

Billings artist Donna Erickson, who sent artwork but was not able to attend the trade mission, said, “There is nothing like seeing your artwork featured on the Web site of a gallery in New Zealand.”

She commends Sutton and MTWC for taking the initiative to organize international exhibits of Montana artwork and for exposing the work of state artists to other cultures and places.

For more information on the trade mission, visit http://www.mwtc.org or call (406) 243-6982. MWTC is a nonprofit organization that helps Montana businesses establish and strengthen their international commercial capabilities.

Contact: Fraser McLeay, MWTC senior manager, (406) 243-6982.

NOTE: A fact sheet with background information on the Australia/New Zealand Trade Mission, as well as photos taken during the trip, are available by calling Paige Darden at (406) 259-3134.