Edwards Systems Technology, Mississauga, Ontario

www.edwards.ca

In 1872, if you had to warn your neighbours or co-workers of a fire, chances are you headed straight for one of those red Edwards pull stations that were used to summon emergency wagons. Today, whether it's a building the size of the 5,000-room MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, or a small shopping centre in Abu Dhabi, sophisticated fire detection systems manufactured by Edwards Systems Technology (EST) are found the world over.

EST International has sold about US$9.5 million in equipment to India since the Team Canada 1996 trade mission to the region, when the company signed a partnership agreement with Tata Honeywell of Mumbai and established a number of new business contacts. Dilip Ghose, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at EST, travels to the region every two months as a matter of course, but joined the 2002 Canada trade mission to India in order, he explains, "to increase our opportunities and to gain more exposure." The company also participated in the 2002 Canada Trade Mission to India.

Ghose says that one of the first things he does when he arrives in any country where EST does business is consult with the Canadian embassy. "No question about it," he adds, "Canada's Trade Commissioners consistently provide us with very useful contacts and advice."

The headquarters for EST International's operations is in Mississauga. Manufacturing operations are located in Owen Sound, Ontario, and Pittsfield, Maine, while an extensive distribution network is supported by local offices around the world. Edwards Systems Technology is a business unit of the SPX Corporation, headquartered in Michigan.

03/A2002