Netarus: State's first ExporTech grads ready to go global

During the 10-week program, executives of participating manufacturers develop an international export strategy for a specific marketplace. Companies implement their strategies and measure their progress to the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce.By Pete Humespete.humes@insidebiz.comFive companies from Norfolk, Chesapeake and Suffolk have become the first graduates of ExporTech, a national export technical assistance program designed to help local manufacturers develop and implement an international growth strategy.During the 10-week program, executives of participating manufacturers develop an international export strategy for a specific marketplace. Companies implement their strategies and measure their progress to the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce.The first class of Virginia's ExporTech Program graduates:Descal-a-Matic, a Norfolk-based company that provides an effective, non-chemical, environmentally friendly technology for protecting water systems from dissolved mineral scale and corrosion.Grandwatt Electric, a Suffolk manufacturer of diesel powered portable light towers and diesel & natural gas powered commercial & industrial generators.Mission Mobility, a Chesapeake mobile communications company that supplies "rugged, tactical, and reliable mobile network control and power solutions for mission-critical communications in the most demanding environments."Netarus, a Norfolk company that develops wireless, video and sensor technology for the marine, industrial, transportation and construction industries to improve safety and productivity.Paramount Sleep, an 80-year-old third generation family-owned mattress manufacturer based in Norfolk whose handcrafted mattress brands are designed to meet sleep and lifestyle needs.