Importers could have an additional option for phytosanitary treatment of fresh produce this spring at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, easing logistics and decreasing costs, particularly for mangoes from Pakistan. Now many mangoes from Pakistan are routed from their port of entry to the Sadex Corp. facility in Sioux City, Iowa, for irradiation before they can be distributed across the U.S. Frank Benso, president of Gateway America, said with the installation of a Genesis II cobalt-60 irradiation machine at Gulfport importers will be able to save time and money. The project was recently completed, and Benso said he is working on final certification from the Animal and Plant Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Once that documentation reaches APHIS officials, the Gulfport facility could be certified in 90 days or less, said Tanya Espinosa, APHIS spokeswoman. The review will include an on-site inspection. The agency OK’d the placement of the facility at Gulfport last year, but additional certification is required for the actual equipment. Benso said in addition to providing phytosanitary services for imported produce, the Gateway America facility will provide food safety treatments for domestic and international produce.

Designed specifically for food irradiation, the Genesis II machine uses constant volume variable pressure underwater bells (stainless steel boxes) that can hold product that is 48 inches wide by 24 inches thick and 48 inches high. The sealed bells keep product dry while it is lowered into an underground pool for phytosanitary and food safety treatment.

He noted that irradiation not only kills pests that APHIS is concerned about, but it also kills pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. “I see domestic applications for food safety measures equal to if not stronger than our phytosanitary services ultimately,” Benso said. “Irradiation also kills decay bacteria, so shelf life is extended.” Along with irradiation services, Benso said the Gateway America facility at Gulfport has 20,000 square feet of refrigerated storage space and 20,000 square feet of dry storage space. He left room to install a second Genesis II irradiation machine.

With the value of Mississippi exports increasing eight percent from 2011, the state ranked among the top 29 states for export growth in 2012. The strong exports performance of states like Mississippi helped contribute to a national record, as well; according to the ITA, exports from the United States totaled $2.2 trillion and supported nearly 10 million American jobs in 2012.

“Mississippi competes on a global scale, and we aggressively are seeking to grow our international presence through trade,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “With more than 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, exporting opens new doors for companies looking to grow their businesses.  I applaud the Mississippi firms that are exporting their products and services for their role in creating jobs and strengthening our state’s economy, while also contributing to the national economy and our nation’s record export figures.”

Mississippi’s largest export market in 2012 was Panama, which received $2.1 billion in merchandise exports from Mississippi companies. Canada was the state’s second largest market for the year, with $1.9 billion in exports, followed by China with $864 million in exports and Honduras with $390 million in exports.

Mississippi’s largest merchandise export category is petroleum and coal products, which accounted for $4 billion of the state’s exports in 2012. Other top merchandise exports are chemicals, computer and electronic products, transportation equipment and paper.

“The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) stands ready to assist Mississippi businesses with their exporting needs, and I encourage companies considering exporting for the first time or expanding their current trade efforts to contact MDA’s international trade specialists to learn how we can assist them,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen.  “MDA has provided technical assistance to Mississippi exporters for decades, and now, through the U.S. Small Business Administration-funded State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, we also are able to provide financial assistance to small businesses looking to export their products and services to international markets.”

The Mississippi STEP Program, administered by MDA’s Trade Bureau, helps reduce some of the financial obstacles small businesses face when exploring exporting opportunities, offsetting costs related to participating in trade missions and other international business development activities.

The STEP Program reimburses eligible small businesses up to 50 percent of travel costs, including airfare and lodging and provides translation services at no cost. Other services may include scheduled pre-arranged appointments with prospective qualified buyers, local transportation assistance and a customized trip itinerary.

Currently, MDA is inviting Mississippi businesses to participate in two upcoming trade missions, an Asian trade mission from May 9 – 17, 2013, which will include stops in Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, and a mission to Germany and Poland from May 20 – 24, 2013.  Small businesses participating in the two business development trips may be eligible for STEP Program assistance.

Businesses interested in learning more about upcoming business development missions or how the Mississippi STEP Program can assist them with exporting their products and services should contact one of MDA’s International Trade Specialists at (601) 359-3155 or visit www.mississippi.org/trade.

From http://www.mississippi.org/press-room/exports-3-15-2013.html

The Port of Gulfport plans to ship two high speed patrol craft for United States Marine, Inc. (USMI), a Gulfport-based small business that designs and builds fast patrol and other special operations craft for the U.S. and foreign militaries.

These 45-knot boats are the sixth and seventh boats of a ten-boat contract awarded by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to USMI and its manufacturing partner TY Offshore, another Gulfport-based small business. “USMI is pleased to have TY Offshore and the Port of Gulfport as team members on this project. These craft will be used in the Arabian Gulf to protect U.S. troops stationed at the Kuwait Naval Base,” said Barry Dreyfus Jr., USMI’s CEO.

These 90 foot MKV Patrol Boats are approximately 20 feet wide and 27 feet high (including mast and superstructure) with a displacement of 165,000 pounds. Dreyfus said, “The capabilities of the Port of Gulfport have provided NAVSEA with a great shipping option. These craft can arrive at the Port of Gulfport on their own bottoms for loading and shipment, saving time and money.”

“We have a skilled work force, and the capabilities for handling all kinds of cargo,” said Matthew Wypyski, Interim Executive Director and CEO of the Mississippi State Port Authority. “But a shipment like this is not something we see every day. Knowing these patrol boats are headed to protect U.S. troops makes it even more special.”

Click here to watch the WLOX story about these patrol boats.

• 47 requests for information from businesses interested in locating in Harrison County
• 7 local visits with prospective businesses interested in Harrison County
• Presently working on 25 active projects to locate in Harrison County

Notable industry projects:

MCC Mechanical

• MCC Mechanical is a construction/fabricated systems manufacturer
• Recently purchased the former Oreck facility to meet expansion needs, including regional and headquarter consolidation to their Harrison County facility
• 200 total jobs expected and ~$10,000,000 of investment

GeriCare Pharmaceuticals

• GeriCare Pharmaceuticals is a leading manufacturer of antacids and laxatives, and acquired the former ANI Pharmaceuticals facility in late 2010
• GeriCare Pharmaceuticals in Gulfport is currently at 110 employees, and recently invested in equipment to support new product lines

Trinity Yachts & Trinity Offshore (TY)

• Christened two new tugs at $15M each
• 100 new employees with 200 more expected to meet market demand
• Diversification to include supply vessels, installed Syncrolift system to launch boats

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

• SAIC a high-tech company delivering quality scientific and technical products and services world-wide
• Lead office on project to develop a 33 foot unmanned Navy anti-submarine vessel ($45,000,000 contract)
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV)

DuPont

• 2^nd largest producer of titanium dioxide (Ti02) with 750+ employees on site
•  Completing $55M  renovation and re-tooling project that will position them for growth opportunities

Goldin Metals

• Metal roofing manufacturer and distributer
• Recent $5M investment for accommodation of a new line of trusses

Seemann Composites

• Manufactures production components for DOD and commercial platforms
• Finished $4,600,000 expansion and currently employ 90 workers

Gulf Ship

• Constructing 180 foot supply boat to be used in Gulf of Mexico to assist oil industry, with three launched since May 2012
• Currently 500 employees and growing

Triton Systems

• Triton Systems is a global manufacturer of automated teller machines (ATMs). Triton has four distinct ATM product lines, which cover the need for the different varieties of ATMs used in different locations and facilities, including 200,000 products in over 24 countries.
• Successfully competed against Tennessee to secure the ATMGurus operation re-located to Long Beach, MS
• Currently 183 employees

TacklTechnology

• Tackl Technologies, LLC has floor sweep and oil absorption products in the automotive retail outlets blended from wood flour, saw dust, rice hulls and a binding agent that is granular.  This blend is five times more absorbent than granular clay for oil and paint spill collection. Pelletized blends of wood flour, saw dust, rice hulls and binding agent are being developed for the pet market – kitty litter, which will compete in the two million ton industry. The pelletized blend is also being prototyped in the petrochemical spill containment industry as a replacement for polyethylene beads in booms, socks and pads as a natural bio-remedial absorbent.
• Created 28 new jobs and investment of over $1 million
• Purchased HCDC’s 30,000 square foot building in Long Beach Industrial Park

Competitive Utility Rates and Ease of Permitting Help Land Mississippi in Ninth Place

Mississippi once again ranked ninth overall among the Top States for Doing Business. Mississippi scored high in several categories, including ranking among the top-five positions for its competitive utility rates, competitive labor costs, speed of permitting, and overall cost of doing business.

Most notably, the state tied for second for both its competitive utility rates and speed of permitting. “We have an incredible utility infrastructure in the state and some great partnerships with our energy providers who help to keep this state competitive,” says Brent Christensen, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority.

Mississippi prides itself on helping businesses quickly navigate through its permitting processes. For example, the Department of Environmental Quality has a long track record of moving major projects through the permitting process very quickly. When Nissan decided to locate a new plant in Canton back in 2000, the permitting process was completed in 74 days. Permitting for another key employer in the state, Severstal, which included a one-million-square-foot campus on 1,400 acres, was completed in just 62 days.

A key priority for Mississippi going forward is improving its work force training programs – a necessity when trying to attract new businesses to the state and also when working with existing businesses on their expansion plans. “In the coming months, you will see us build on those strengths and improve those training programs that we have in place,” says Christensen. That effort is an important part of Governor Bryant’s Mississippi Works Agenda. The state will be working with community colleges and the Department of Employee Security among other partners to make sure that it has a very consistent work force development system in place.

In May, Governor Bryant signed legislation to further enhance the state’s business climate. That legislation included four key components. One was the Healthcare Industry Zone Act, which is aimed at improving access to healthcare. Those healthcare providers that invest more than $10 million in a facility or create at least 25 full-time jobs within an established Health Care Zone are eligible for tax incentives. In addition, Mississippi passed legislation regarding the elimination of many of the inventory taxes, revisions to workers’ compensation regulations, and the Small Business Regulatory Commission act.

“We’re constantly improving on this business climate, and striving to make Mississippi even more business-friendly, while we continue to make sure that the needs are met for our new and existing businesses,” says Christensen.

Read more in Area Development Magazine Special Presentation (Fall 2012)

Image from http://iam751.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/skilled-workers-give-boeing-the-edge-for-tanker/. November 20, 2012.

Are you interested in doing business with Airbus?

All companies with interest in doing business with Airbus should reply to the “Airbus For Suppliers” tab on the website:  www.airbusalabama.com.  On this site, suppliers will find two registration options:

1.  For suppliers interested in working specifically on the new Airbus Alabama A320 Family final assembly line project, please click here to visit the EADS eProc tool at EADS ePROC tool<https://eprocsourcing.eads.net/>.

In addition, Airbus has created a truly global supply chain that contributes to the success of its growing aircraft product line.  More than 1,500 primary contractors in over 30 countries deliver the quality components, parts, systems and hardware that Airbus requires – at the best quality and within the established time frame.

1.  If you are a supplier interested in becoming part of the Airbus aircraft production supply chain, please click here to register your company’s information through the Airbus/EADS sourcing tool at Airbus/EADS Sourcing Too – click here.

The Airbus/EADS Sourcing Tool allows you to describe your capabilities to Airbus buyers who will then contact you directly, if applicable. Airbus/EADS Sourcing also allows buyers and suppliers to exchange requirements and proposals online during the bid process.  For small and medium-sized companies, your best points of contact may be our 1st and 2nd tier suppliers. Please use any existing contacts you may already have with these suppliers.

To learn more about the Airbus Procurement organization and major suppliers, please click here.

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV)

LONG BEACH, Miss.
A Mississippi company is getting a chunk of a $58.5 million contract to design, build and demonstrate a prototype unmanned trimaran for anti-submarine warfare.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded the contract Wednesday to Science Applications International Corp. of McLean, Va.

According to a news release from the Pentagon, the work is being divided among 13 offices around the country. It says the one in Long Beach, Miss., is getting 13.4 percent. That’s the third-largest percentage and works out to about $7.8 million.

The giant helo hangar is headed for Bath Iron Works in Maine, where it will become part of the newest DDG 1000 war ship for the US Navy.

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -

A large helicopter hangar, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Gulfport, is on the water headed for Maine. The 60 foot wide structure, made from carbon composites, took nearly two years to construct.

The composite helo-hangar, wrapped in white, represents thousands of hours of work.  As the proud workers watched it float away on a barge, they felt some much deserved pride.

“Oh man, it’s a major pat on the back to see this thing go. It’s great. Feels good to see a big accomplishment like this,” said Ingalls worker Bill Mason.

Their accomplishment is headed for Bath Iron Works in Maine, where it will be attached to the newest Navy destroyer.

“A lot of veterans work out here too. So, we take a lot of pride in our work out here, building stuff for the Navy you know,” said worker Jerry Aubuchon.

The hangar’s carbon fiber construction offers several advantages over steel.

“A substantial weight advantage in using carbon fiber composites. Secondly, you have an erosion advantage that the carbon fiber does not rust over time,” says Program Manager John Fillmore.

A structure even larger than the helo hangar, the ship’s deckhouse, is being built in a large construction bay at the Gulfport facility. Weighing slightly less than 900 tons, it will be delivered later this summer.

“It’s a very, very large structure. In fact, it will be one of the largest composite structures ever to go to sea. Certainly the only composite deckhouse on any of the destroyers we have,” said Gulfport Site Manager Jay Jenkins.

The helo-hangar launch is a good warm-up for that deckhouse delivery.

“It took a lot of hard work. Yard wide commitment from everybody. A lot of weekends, not a lot of time off. But that’s what it takes to get this big accomplishment done for Huntington Ingalls,” said Ingalls worker Marcus Davis.

The lighter weight of the carbon composite structure enables the ship to travel faster. It also produces a smaller radar profile, making it less likely to be spotted by an enemy.

Copyright 2012 WLOX. All rights reserved.

PASCAGOULA, Mississippi — Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. is one year old this week, a milestone that President and CEO Mike Petters celebrated Thursday by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

This time last year, the beloved Ingalls name returned to the 10,000-employee Pascagoula shipyard when HII spun off from defense giant Northrop Grumman Corp.

The shipyard had been operating as a segment of Northrop, but leaders said a spin-off would make the yard better able to focus on its customers and more agile in responding to the marketplace.

Huntington Ingalls now maintains two sectors: a Newport News facility and Ingalls Shipbuilding on the Gulf Coast, which oversees the Pascagoula yard, a composite yard in Gulfport and an Avondale, La., yard the company intends to close next year.

The fledgling company has met successes and challenges in its first year.

“I think the thing I’m most proud of is that the folks on the waterfront at each of our businesses have really risen to the challenges we put in front of them,” Petters said in a phone interview from New York on Thursday.

“We started out saying, ‘We’re coming out with a new company, and we’re going to be doing a lot of things for the first time, and we’ve got some serious risk items that we’ve got to go retire,’” Petters said.

All of the necessary filings, legal issues and financial reporting requirements for the new public company were handled during the year, he said.

“All of that went pretty well,” he said. “Now, it’s just a matter of doing what shipbuilders always do, and that’s once they figure out how to do something, let’s go figure out how to do it better.”

At the Ingalls yard in Pascagoula, the delivery of LPD 22 in 2011 marked a major milestone for the company, Petters said.

“It creates a path for us to get the rest of the LPDs delivered,” he said. “I’m really proud of that.”

Since the spin-off, company leaders have said the company’s profit margins are expected to improve once the under-performing LPD contracts and the LHA 6 are completed.

HII has learned how to make its newer contracts succeed, Petters said Thursday.

“It really all starts in the contract,” he said. “We are negotiating the contracts based on what our experience with this new workforce has been as sort of a cost baseline for the contracts, but also with an eye toward the improvements we see out there we can make, given the operating systems that we’ve put in place and the leadership things we’ve done.”

That creates “a much more realistic perspective on what the target for the ship is and how we go with negotiating the contract,” he said. “(We’re on the very front end of) the contracts we signed last year — the two destroyer contracts and the LPD contract — but we’re doing very well with that.”

Petters is also preparing for and looking forward to the upcoming competition for up to nine destroyers, which would be split between Ingalls and Bath Iron Works in Maine.

“I’m not going to go into what we’re doing because it’s a competition and we want to keep that to ourselves, but the fact that we went through a competition in the fall was very important,” Petters said.

The company had not been through a competition since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or perhaps longer, he said.

“We needed to go do a competition to see where we stood,” he said. “That gives us a chance to go address some of those things that we need to address to be competitive in the future.”

The DDG program “has been a great program for the Navy and for the folks at Ingalls and Bath for 20 years, and we believe that success in this program will lead to more success for all of us stakeholders,” he said. “We’re going to be as competitive as we can be, and our mission is to win.” 