SAS Automation “Holds” Its Own In International Market

Robotic arms swivel with precision, picking up pieces and parts moving down a factory assembly line. Equipped with grippers, suction cups and vacuum plates, these robotic arms are able to deftly handle items ranging from car bumpers to cupcakes. Xenia-based small business SAS Automation specializes in creating these handling pieces, known as robotic End-of-Arm Tooling. With the help of SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program, the small business is able to distribute its products overseas, exporting to countries including Mexico, Germany, Canada and Columbia.

The STEP program is designed to help small businesses unlock trade opportunities in global markets and tap into the nearly 96 percent of consumers that live outside of the U.S. SAS Automation uses the program to advertise, attend foreign trade shows and solicit new businesses in areas which would not have been economically feasible otherwise.

“Most small companies think that they are too small to export, but the SBA STEP program helps small businesses hold their own internationally,” said Rob Dalton, SAS Automation president. “By exporting, we increased our sales and diversified our markets.”

The company has increased sales in global markets to 26.5 percent of total in 2017, or roughly $2 million. They have also grown from 15 employees to 35 employees in the United States and six employees in their office in Germany.

“The automation industry continues to grow on a global scale,” Dalton said. “As the only U.S. manufacturer with this style of tooling for plastic injection molding, SBA’s exporting programs help us to meet and grow with that international demand.”

SAS Automation will be recognized as the 2018 SBA Region V Exporter, after winning the Columbus District award and going on to compete against other small businesses in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.