Great Plains Pumps Up the Jam in Germany

Great Plains Industries (GPI) is a Wichita, Kansas based fuel transfer pump manufacturer whose products are known throughout the agriculture, construction, oil, gas, mining and forestry industries. Seeking to determine the best new international market for their product, GPI decided to pursue RAISE market research. In August 2021, the Rural Export Center delivered a Matrix + 3 Country RAISE Report to help GPI determine where they should focus their efforts. It included a country ranking Matrix; feedback from in-country U.S. Commercial Service offices in 6 top markets from the Matrix; identification of potential buyers/partners/distributors; a comparative landed cost analysis incorporating shipping costs and import tariff and tax rates; an overview of the oil, gas, construction, agricultural, and mining markets in each country; a list of relevant trade shows; and recommendations for the best next steps and potential action items. The research was supported by a STEP grant administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

GPI already had a distributor in Germany for their fuel meter product line, but after receiving RAISE research, they decided to expand the existing relationship. GPI approached the distributor about also partnering on the fuel transfer pumps. The data proved their market potential and the dealer signed on. They are currently helping GPI develop the fuel transfer pump business in Germany.

“Working with the US Commercial Service has been very beneficial to GPI,” said Jeff Smith, International Distribution Manager for GPI. “A.J. Anderson has been extremely helpful. He is very responsive to inquiries and has provided insightful guidance as we try to develop our international sales. Amongst other things, he helped direct us to the Rural Export Center and the Matrix + 3 Country RAISE report. As a result, we have been able to secure additional distribution to grow our business and we continue to find more opportunities in international markets.”