WINCHESTER — A Winchester-based manufacturer is one of 13 Virginia companies selected to join an elite state program aimed at helping businesses expand into international markets.
Ashworth Bros., Inc., headquartered in the City of Winchester, has joined the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, a two-year business acceleration initiative managed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). The program provides participating companies with customized international sales strategies, access to a network of global experts, and direct introductions to potential partners overseas.
Ashworth Bros., a global leader in conveyor belting systems, is the only Shenandoah Valley business included in the latest cohort. The company designs and manufactures metal and plastic belting solutions for industries ranging from food processing to automotive manufacturing.
VALET is designed for Virginia companies with established domestic success that are ready to grow internationally. Participants receive support from a team of international service providers and market research consultants spanning more than 120 countries. The program also includes in-country matchmaking, educational seminars, and a customized plan to guide expansion efforts.
The announcement came as Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed a new group of companies into the program while also recognizing 13 graduates that completed the two-year track.
Since its inception, 425 Virginia companies have completed the VALET program. Currently, 58 companies are active participants. According to VEDP, businesses in the program routinely report increased international sales and global partnerships that generate high-quality jobs across the Commonwealth.
Virginia exports approximately $70 billion in goods and services annually. In 2023, companies working with VEDP’s international trade division attributed $1.5 billion in overseas sales to its assistance, supporting more than 13,700 jobs.
Ashworth Bros. now joins that expanding network of Virginia businesses reaching global markets through the VALET program.
More information on the VALET program is available at vedp.org.
