“Seven Minnesota companies that have built successful global markets have been named winners of the 2009 Governor’s International Trade Awards,” according to a news release. The companies were honored May 15, in recognition of Minnesota World Trade Week 2009.

This year’s winners are Bepex International, Minneapolis; HRST Inc., Eden Prairie; Jennie-O Turkey Store, Willmar; Lamex Inc., Bloomington; Lockheed Martin, Eagan; Loram Maintenance of Way Inc., Hamel; and MicroBioLogics Inc., St. Cloud.

“HRST provides engineering services and after-market products for
heat-recovery steam generators and boilers for power and process plants worldwide. The company’s international sales climbed from 15.4 percent of total revenue in 2006 to 35.5 percent of revenue last year. The company sells its products and services in 18 countries,” the release said.

The companies were selected for developing and continuing to grow significant business in foreign markets, for increasing or maintaining jobs in Minnesota to support international sales, and for developing novel approaches for competing globally.