SPOKANE, Wash. – The need for a safe, reliable, affordable and energy-efficient air-to-water generator is obvious: in remote areas where water is scarce or a long walk away; in urban areas following a disaster that has polluted the water supply; on watercraft that spend weeks or months at sea; in any area where access to clean, fresh water is restricted.AWG International, which was founded by CEO Keith White in 1997, has been designing, building and selling air-to-water generators for residential and commercial uses for more than a dozen years. In 2011, AWG International merged with MIP Solutions of Spokane.
Technology improves cost, reliability, safety
As the world population continues to grow, the planet warms and waterways become more stressed, the need for clean water is becoming more critical. Air-to-water generators, also called atmospheric water generators, are poised to make a huge impact.
Similar to dehumidifiers, the AWG units pull in moist air and remove the water using patented technology. The water is filtered to remove impurities and is then stored in a bacteria-free tank. The commercial AquaMaX 1500 can produce up to 1,500 liters of water per day (depending on humidity levels) and has a storage capacity of 600 liters. A countertop model, the Flagship WaterBoy, produces 15-20 liters per day and has a storage tank of 18 liters.
Until recently, most customers have been within the U.S. and Canada. But new third-generation technology – which increased water yield, lowered costs and improved reliability and safety – has drawn attention from overseas markets. The new units can run off waste oil, solar power, wind power or reduced electrical power.
Help to target export market
“It’s a huge, huge, huge market,” said Wes Sodorff, a business consultant and investor in AWG International. Sodorff, a Spokane entrepreneur for more than 30 years, understands what it takes to launch a profitable business. But, he said, he was a novice when it came to export trade.
That’s why he attended an export workshop sponsored by the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and later followed up with Vern Jenkins, an international trade specialist in the Spokane SBDC export readiness center. The SBDC is a cooperative effort of Washington State University, other institutions and organizations, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“I knew zero about exporting when I sat down with Vern,” Sodorff said. In just a few months, AWG International has established export clients in Peru, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Morocco, Portugal and India. Jenkins has helped AWG understand export compliance regulations, research foreign markets and prioritize foreign market selection.
Support businesses benefit too
With more than 15 years in international trade, Jenkins used his previous export experience to help AWG vet potential distributors. AWG International is setting up distributorships in India and Vietnam. The company plans to use the Washington State STEP Grant to help fund participation in the upcoming AquaTech Trade show in New Delhi, India this spring.
In 2011, Sodorff said, AWG International did more than $1 million in export sales, much of it due to the assistance of Jenkins and the SBDC export readiness center.
As sales continue to build, Sodorff said, more than a half-dozen Spokane businesses will benefit because of supplier contracts and collaborations.
About the SBDC
The Washington SBDC Export Readiness program is part of a statewide export initiative sponsored through a grant by the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board, which is administrated by the Washington Department of Commerce. The Washington SBDC has partnered with the WSU Impact Center to assist with agricultural research and with the International Trade Alliance in Spokane to offer export workshops across the state.
The Washington SBDC is a cooperative effort of WSU, other educational institutions, economic development organizations and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For more information on the mission and services of the SBDC visit the network website at http://wsbdc.org.
For more information about AWG International, go to http://awginternational.com.