Cranberry co. recognized
CRANBERRY TWP — A local company was recognized Wednesday for its work with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, presented the department’s Export Achievement Certificate to MECCO Wednesday morning.
The laser equipment supplier company worked with the department’s U.S. Commercial Service and Pittsburgh agency Catalyst Connection to enter new markets internationally.
It successfully entered the Mexican market by being a supplier for Qualtec, a labeling and bar code company “with the potential for multiple additional orders valued at more than $100,000” for the next 12 months.
“You couldn’t be more proud,” Kelly said. “U.S. Commercial Service is a good example of government working with the private sector for mutual success.”
Company President David Sweet said the company has been growing for the past several years.
“It’s a team effort and the team here is awesome,” Sweet said.
The company, which has been in existence since 1879 and currently has 33 employees, also performs work for other companies like Ford, Westinghouse and Caterpillar, among others.
Sweet said working with these companies locally has led to MECCO becoming a global player in the international market.
“It’s a big time in our company. The future is bright for us,” Sweet said.
Kelly and other officials also toured the company Wednesday morning. A laser engraved his name into a screwdriver that was given to him as a gift.
The company also gave him a framed penny with the entire Gettysburg Address etched with a laser next to Abraham Lincoln’s head.
“You’re the reason you’re doing so well,” Kelly said to company officials. “It’s incredible what you’re all doing. This is the team that continues to make it (company) successful.”
U.S. Commercial Service director Lyn Doverspike said companies that do not export “leave money on the table” and companies like MECCO generally are more successful in the long haul.
“We have been so impressed with MECCO’s planning and vision and are pleased to congratulate them on such a prestigious award,” she said.
Doverspike also said MECCO is the first recipient of the Export Achievement Certificate in three years.
