June 2004 – International Forest Products, Inc., a privately held company that is one of the largest exporters of forest products in the United States, was the recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Export Achievement Award sponsored by The Alliance for The Commonwealth and Associated Industries of Massachusetts (A.I.M). The Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a Massachusetts employer in increasing international trade activity to retain and generate jobs in Massachusetts, was presented to IFP’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Kraft, during A.I.M.’s 89th Annual Meeting.
Known in their industry as "the local paper company around the world", IFP has become a recognized leader in the international pulp, paper and lumber trade. With over 30 years of experience and a network of offices and representatives in more than 80 countries, IFP ships millions of tons of product annually, assuming the business risk and logistics demands associated with volume exporting. In addition, IFP provides innovative packaging solutions to many Fortune 1000 companies overseeing the procurement, logistics and quality of offshore packaging needs as manufacturing processes expand to a global marketplace.
"In addition to leadership around the globe in its industry, IFP has contributed to the vitality of the Massachusetts international business community," according to John Gould, Chairman of the Alliance for the Commonwealth. "IFP was a key player in Massport's marketing strategy to attract a major Asian carrier to call at the Port of Boston. As a result, the Massachusetts Port Authority secured weekly direct vessel service between Boston and China beginning in March 2002." IFP, based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, shipped product on the maiden voyage from Boston and has been a regular shipper on the service ever since.
"IFP is honored to receive this recognition," stated Kraft. "An award from The Alliance and A.I.M., the largest employer association in the state with 7,500 members, means a great deal to our company. We look forward to continuing to grow in Massachusetts, and use this location as the base for our worldwide operations." Kraft added that, "the addition of the weekly service from Boston to China has been a positive factor in our decision to purchase additional plants, add employees and accommodate export growth from Massachusetts."
"IFP is a model for other companies looking for opportunities in new markets," said Richard C. Lord, A.I.M.’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "International trade plays a major role in the Massachusetts economy. To maintain a vibrant job market for the Commonwealth’s residents, we must continue to export products and services on a competitive basis to markets around the globe. With our 9th annual awards, we are delighted to once again have an opportunity to highlight the special achievements that Massachusetts companies and institutions have contributed to our state’s economic vitality," concluded Lord.
Established in 1915, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (A.I.M.) is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. A.I.M.'s mission is to promote the well-being of its members and their employees and the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by improving the economic climate of Massachusetts, proactively advocating fair and equitable public policy, and providing relevant, reliable information and excellent services. The Alliance for the Commonwealth is a nonpartisan research and educational foundation created in 1995 by A.I.M. to help businesses succeed in an environment of accelerating change. By developing and communicating information relating to the economic health of the Commonwealth in the face of globalization and by promoting policies that encourage growth, The Alliance strives to improve the state's economic strength and the quality of life of its citizens.