The Associated Industries of Massachusetts International Business Council (AIM-IBC) announced the winners of its 21st annual Global Trade Awards, which recognize Massachusetts companies and public agencies of all sizes that have demonstrated excellence in international trade. The 2016 honorees, with locations across the region, represent a wide range of Massachusetts industries and include REXA, L-3 Security & Detection Systems, and Riverdale Mills Corporation.

“International trade plays a pivotal role in the health of the Massachusetts economy” said Richard Lord, President and CEO of AIM. “Which is why we are delighted to honor the achievements of these local winners, who set the standard for global business. We applaud their ability to be strategic and differentiate themselves to serve industries overseas. These firms are making a significant contribution to Massachusetts’s reputation as a world trade leader. ”

The three Global Trade Awards winners will be honored in October, which is National Manufacturing Month, during the AIM Global Trade Symposium & Awards Breakfast at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, October 6th, from 8:00am to 11:00am. Those in attendance will hear from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and a panel of business leaders about ways Massachusetts can succeed in a rapidly-changing global business world.

2016 Global Trade Award Winners

Ambassador’s Award – REXA
West Bridgewater, MA

REXA designs and manufactures superior actuators, a device used by operators of pipelines, power plants and hydro dams to regulate the flow of water, steam or petroleum through industrial pipeline valves. Using innovative motion control technology, REXA actuators enable operators to open, close or adjust large valves from remote locations for normal usage or, in case of emergency situations, to avoid spills or contamination. REXA technology is used in power generation, oil & gas, mining, metals, water and waste industries. A Japanese-owned company founded in 1981, REXA’s products are in high demand globally, with 40% of their products distributed internationally.

Diplomat’s Award – L-3 Security & Detection Systems
Woburn, MA

L-3 Security & Detection Systems (L-3 SDS) is a leading supplier of security screening solutions, with more than 50,000 systems deployed and supported around the globe. Founded in 1986, L-3 SDS designs and manufactures cutting-edge products for secure facilities using advanced technologies such as 3-D computed tomography; automated, conventional and high-energy X-ray; radiation detection; active millimeter wave imaging; metal detection and more. L-3 SDS engineers have improved airport x-ray scanners’ threat detection capabilities across the globe.

Chairman’s Award – Riverdale Mills Corporation
Northbridge, MA

Founded in 1980, Riverdale Mills Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high quality engineered, galvanized and PVC coated wire mesh fabrics. Riverdale Mills produces over 3,500 sizes of welded wire mesh for the marine, aquaculture, security, farming and construction industries at its sole manufacturing facility in Massachusetts. Riverdale’s marquee product, Aquamesh®, is a durable, rust proof and corrosion resistant wire mesh that is specifically designed to withstand the harshest subsea conditions. Aquamesh® is now used to build approximately 80% of all lobster traps fished in North America and Europe. Riverdale Mills WireWall® high security wire mesh fencing is used to protect the MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab, U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Port of San Francisco, Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Mexico, and the Vancouver Transit System. The company is also one of the world’s leading producers of specialty PVC powder coating compounds.

About the AIM International Business Council
The AIM International Business Council helps Massachusetts employers engage in international trade and expand their global business activities. Through seminars, referrals, and e-newsletters, the AIM International Business Council provides companies with the resources they need. For more, visit www.aimnet.org/international.

About Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)
Established in 1915, Associated Industries of Massachusetts is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. With nearly 5,000 member companies employing more than 600,000 people in Mass., AIM’s mission is to promote the well-being and prosperity of the Commonwealth by reducing business costs, shaping state and federal business regulation, and ensuring a skilled and highly educated work force. For further information, visit www.aimnet.org.