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Case Studies

MicroXact Cultivates New Export Partners Through VEDP Travel Opportunities

MicroXact, Inc., was founded in 2004 as a semiconductor and MEMS machining and prototyping facility in Pulaski County. Today the company designs and manufactures probe stations—tools that measure the electrical properties of small devices and materials—as well as accessories for these probe stations, think microscopes. Due to its incredibly specific products, MicroXact serves a diverse range of clients, from university labs and startups to government institutions and Fortune 100 corporations. The company is driving innovation in its field with expertise spanning physics, electrical engineering, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced controls. 

MicroXact has been successful in its partnerships with industry-leading corporations and academic institutions at the forefront of their respective fields in the United States and Europe. But the company felt there was an opportunity to forge new partnerships in international markets. The question was how.  

The Challenge: Finding the Right Partners in International Markets 

With top-notch products, MicroXact had long maintained a strong export presence in Europe, where its microchip test and probe stations stood out as superior to competitors. However, expanding into new markets—particularly in Asia—posed a challenge. The company needed to determine the best way to establish a foothold in regions where business relationships are built through in-person interactions. MicroXact was grappling with issues of cost and finding the right partners in these highly specialized and competitive markets until VEDP’s International Trade department came to help. 

The VEDP Solution: Strategic Market Entry Through In-country Consultants 

MicroXact first partnered with VEDP International Trade in 2012, beginning to export to the European Union at that time. To explore new export opportunities, VEDP recommended engaging its in-country consultants for an International Market Visit (IMV) to Japan in early 2023. MicroXact combined this initiative with participation in an industry trade show in Japan, which proved to be a turning point. The trip resulted in a new partner agreement and increased quote activity in Japan. 

Encouraged by this success, MicroXact joined VEDP’s South Korea Trade Mission in the fall of 2023. Through this mission, the company secured new opportunities and established a partner in South Korea.  

The momentum continued in spring 2024, when MicroXact traveled with VEDP to India on another trade mission. This trade mission opened doors to additional partnerships and solidified the company’s presence in the region. 

VEDP-organized trade missions are invaluable tools for small Virginia manufacturers. Organizing meetings with potential partners and vetting companies is something that small US businesses cannot effectively organize by themselves. We are very lucky to have such an efficient organization and team in our state.

Vladimir Kochergin MicroXact

The Result: Successful Expansion into Japan, South Korea and India 

Thanks to VEDP International Trade’s in-country consultants, MicroXact successfully secured new partners in Japan, South Korea, and India. These partnerships already have begun generating vetted business opportunities, paving the way for sustained international growth and leading to MicroXact probes in Japanese, Korean and Indian laboratories. By leveraging VEDP’s expertise, MicroXact removed risks, streamlined partner selection and accelerated its expansion. 

MicroXact is well positioned for long-term success in the global market with VEDP’s assistance, strengthening its presence in key international regions and driving growth through export.

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