19 May 2008

Mid-Continent Instruments Receives International Business Excellence Award

WICHITA, Kan. — The World Trade Council of Wichita presented Mid-Continent Instruments with the 2008 International Business Excellence Award during the 32^nd annual World Trade Week Banquet.  A selection committee, consisting of members from the council’s Executive Board, reviewed nominations and chose Mid-Continent from an elite group of companies that demonstrated growth in international business development.  The annual award recognizes companies whose global successes contribute to increasing international business in the greater Wichita area.  Mid-Continent Instruments was noted for broadening international marketing efforts as well as providing international customers with outstanding customer service and quality products. 

“Although we have manufactured equipment for many international customers over the years, it was just recently that international development became a key part of our strategic focus,” said Tom Genovese, Sales & Customer Service Manager.  “This award is a reflection of great local resources like the Kansas World Trade Center and the Kansas Department of Commerce that have enabled us to further our international progress.”  With international exports accounting for 19% of overall sales in 2007, which is a 25% increase from 2006, Mid-Continent’s new strategy seems to be working.  “We believe this growth trend will continue as we bring to market new technology,” stated Genovese.  “We are working diligently to make sure our designs meet foreign approval requirements.”

Mid-Continent Instruments manufactures aircraft instruments for the general aviation industry.  Services at the Wichita, Kansas facility also include developing and manufacturing new avionics products.  Mid-Continent Instruments West in Van Nuys, California provides new instrument sales and is the top-rated instrument overhaul shop on the west coast.  Together the locations employ more than 150 people and offer the largest general aviation instrument overhaul/exchange program in the world.  Specialties include gyro, altimeter, HSI and autopilot system overhauls.  Mid-Continent instruments are found in all new Cessna airplanes and in Raytheon’s Beech line of Bonanzas, Barons, King Airs and 1900 Airliners.  Instruments are sold to other manufacturers such as GARMIN International, Honeywell, Cirrus, Lancair, Piper Aircraft Inc., Diamond and Robinson Helicopter Co.