Denver-based
Geotech Environmental Equipment received the
"E Star" award from President Obama on Mon., May 20. The company manufactures a wide range of environmental measuring and monitoring equipment at its plant in northeast Denver.
CEO Jeff Popiel personally accepted the award from President Obama in Washington, D.C. "In the last 50 years, the president has only handed out eight times," says Popiel. He also accepted an award on the behalkf of another local winner, the World Trade Center Denver.
Awarded since 1969, the E Star goes out to companies who have shown growth in exports for at least four consecutive years. Geotech has exported to 72 countries since 2009, says Popiel, and has offices in Spain and China. An office in Brazil is slated to open later in 2013.
About 15 percent of Geotech's sales are now exports, Popiel adds. "Exports are the fastest growing part of our business," he says.
Popiel also touts
Universal Plastics, Geotech's contract plastic extrusion business that makes tubing for everything from straws to sporting goods to medical equipment. "We can compete with China, no problem," he says. "We can save people money." Both shipping costs and minimums are lower, he explains. "It's much more efficient."
After adding two production employees in May, the 102-employee company will probably add six more employees by the end of the year, says Popiel.
Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Eric Peterson with tips and leads for future stories at eric@confluence-denver.com.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.