ESS Technologies, Inc. Selected to Participate in Virginia's VALET Program

As a supplier of automated packaging machinery for packaging pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, diagnostics and consumer goods, ESS has exported machinery to Canada and Puerto Rico. Acceptance into the VALET program will allow ESS to increase sales in Canada while entering target markets in Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Launched in January 2002, the VALET program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. The program provides participating companies assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help them meet their international goals. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export.

"The VALET Program generates international sales for Virginia companies," said Paul Grossman, VEDP Director of International Trade and Investment. "Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with more than 165 companies to increase their international sales. Because of the program's proven success and because jobs are created when Virginia companies sell more into global markets, it is important that we continue to assist Virginia companies through the program. We are happy to welcome [ESS and other companies] to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years."

According to Kevin Browne, President of ESS Technologies, Inc., "The VALET program gives ESS the opportunity to expand into markets where our existing customers have set up manufacturing operations. This will also give ESS the opportunity to introduce automation and our expertise as authorized FANUC Robotics integrators into markets that still use manual or semi-manual processes." ESS will market the MB series Monoblock Fillers/Cappers, the SC Series Automatic Horizontal Cartoners, the V30 Series Vertical Robotic Case Packers, the WA Series Wrap Around Case Packers, Mini Robotic Pallet Cells and TaskMate Robotic Systems.