Music Stand Manufacturer Grows Business in China and Europe Thanks to U.S. Commercial Service and SBA Grant Funding

Manhasset Specialty Company is a specialty music stand manufacturer in Yakima, Washington, originally founded in 1935. Their unique accessories are designed to last longer than their competitor’s products. In 2018, Manhasset was interested in finding international distribution partners to grow sales in China and Europe.

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS Seattle) has provided export counseling, market information, and program recommendations to Manhasset for years, connecting them with resources, including the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). The STEP grant program helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into new markets. 

With the guidance of CS Seattle, in 2018, Manhasset secured STEP funding to help pay to exhibit at the Frankfurt Music Show and China Music Shows. CS Seattle connected Manhasset with U.S. Embassy-based CS colleagues to provide them with the latest market intelligence and ideas for networking to maximize their time at each show. 

Previous President and General Manager Dan Roberts said, “All of us at Manhasset Specialty Co. are appreciative of the efforts that The U.S. Commercial Service provided to our company in helping our company to expand its distribution in Europe and China. As a result of our participation in shows in Frankfurt, Germany, and Shanghai, China, the company added new distributors in Italy, Spain, Hungary, Scandinavian countries, and in Asia, not just in China but Singapore. Building momentum in these markets has led to more discussions with new distributors in other countries, too, which Manhasset is following us to get them on board selling our products in their markets.”

In June of 2022, Jason Carter (pictured) became the General Manager of Manhasset Specialty Company. Jason has worked for Manhasset for 28 years.