Maine International Trade Center (MITC) is announcing the winners of the 2018 International Trade and Investment Awards. Maine companies are being recognized for their commitment to grow their business in international markets. Last year, 2,262 Maine companies exported $2.7 billion in goods and services to 176 countries.
“We’re excited to announce this year’s award winners,” MITC President Wade Merritt said. “These four companies produce world-class Maine products or deliver innovative solutions overseas while supporting hundreds of jobs here in the state.”….
Service Provider of the Year – Planson International, New Gloucester
The Service Provider of the Year Award is presented to a service provider that has established an international presence for the export of their service.
In a red barn in rural New Gloucester, Maine, a $52 million company supplies IT equipment and services to over 150 countries across the globe. Planson International was started 25 years ago by Connie Justice out of her home. Today it employs 45 people, mostly in Maine, with a subsidiary in Denmark.
Planson International works with the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations for projects in developing countries, supporting food security, health, education, children, peacekeeping, conservation, refugee resettlement, and emergency response to natural disasters. Last year, Planson successfully completed a $26 million contract to supply computer labs to 889 high schools across the Philippines. Planson ensures all hardware and software is configured to meet the customer’s needs before it is shipped to places like Afghanistan or Burundi.
“Receiving this award underscores our company commitment to provide solutions, not simply sell goods. Efficiently sourcing and consolidating IT equipment, shipping it safely to customers in high risk regions, making sure it all works correctly under difficult conditions, and partnering with local companies to support our customers is a complex bundle of services. It is an honor to be recognized for this,” said Connie Justice, Planson International CEO.
