Euro-Composites Expands Market Reach in South America and South Korea with VEDP Support

Euro-Composites Corporation, based in Culpeper County, is the American division of Euro-Composites Group, a global leader in high-performance composite materials. With operations in the United States, Luxembourg, and Germany, the company manufactures advanced products such as ready-to-assemble parts and structures, formed and/or milled composite parts, panels, laminates, and honeycomb core materials.

While Euro-Composites USA is responsible for sales throughout the Americas and South Korea, limited internal resources prohibited the company from fully tapping into these expansive international markets. The company needed targeted support to engage directly with partners and customers in South Korea and South America.

The Challenge: Limited Resources and Lack of In-market Engagement
Euro-Composites had ambitious goals for growth in South America and South Korea, but like many manufacturers, faced real constraints. The team lacked the internal capacity to dedicate to international business development, including understanding the local market landscape. 

Recognizing the importance of in-market presence, the company needed help identifying local partners and connecting with potential customers in the market. 

The VEDP Solution: Strategic Market Entry Powered by VALET and In-Country Visits
To address these challenges, Euro-Composites enrolled in VEDP’s Virginia Leaders in Export Trade program. VALET funding covered travel expenses, research, and other critical business development expenses. Funding, coupled with the guidance of VEDP’s Global Network consultants, enabled the company to pursue a series of strategic engagements across multiple markets.

Efforts began in Brazil, where Euro-Composites joined a U.S. Commercial Service trade mission in October 2022, at the recommendation of their VALET Program Manager. The company followed the first trade mission up with a VEDP-led mission to Brazil in May 2023. These visits allowed the company to connect with key players, gather vital market insights, and explore new contract opportunities.

In December 2023, Euro-Composites traveled to Colombia to participate in the Expodefensa trade show. There, the company made a pivotal connection with a key regional partner. This interaction laid the groundwork for a promising collaboration and positioned Euro-Composites to enter the Colombian market with a strong partner.

In 2023, Euro-Composites USA also traveled to South Korea using State Trade Expansion Program grant funding. It was the company’s first direct engagement in the country in almost 10 years. This visit allowed the company to reconnect with long-time clients, confirm multi-year contracts, and demonstrate renewed commitment to the region.

The Result: Stronger Partnerships and Sales Growth Across Key Markets
The benefits of these in-person visits have been substantial. In Brazil, Euro-Composites secured new business opportunities and participated in several bid processes that were previously out of reach. Their presence in Colombia now is anchored by the developing relationship with a key regional partner, which is expected to lead to new orders and future market growth. Meanwhile, the visit to South Korea led to the successful multi-year contracts with existing clients, resulting in improved business stability.

The VALET funding and VEDP’s global network have reopened doors for Euro-Composites in South Korea and introduced the company to a future of lasting partnerships and growth in both Brazil and Colombia.