CAROL STREAM, IL – Antunes, a family owned and operated company specializing in the manufacturing of foodservice equipment, received Exporter of the Year honors at the Governor’s Export Awards, presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) on December 6. Antunes received the award in the Emerging/Small-Sized Illinois Companies category.
The Exporter of the Year award is given to Illinois companies that have grown exports and made exporting a cornerstone of their business. From its company headquarters in Carol Stream, Antunes’ foodservice equipment is shipped to operations around the world, including major chains in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East. Over the past three years, export sales have averaged 30 percent of Antunes’ total sales, and the company has seen consistent year-over-year growth in this sales category.
“Whether it’s two stores down the block or across the globe, operations want to make sure their customers have the same experience, which means they want to make sure they have the right piece of equipment,” said Antunes CEO Glenn Bullock. “We continue to focus on providing equipment solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers in order to help them succeed.”
The Governor’s Export Awards are the State’s highest recognition of export achievement and were established to recognize small and medium-sized businesses and organizations that work to promote export awareness for Illinois’ products and services. Awards are determined by several sets of criteria, including: export sales as a ratio of total sales, export sales growth, number of jobs created and retained by exports and factors indicating progressive international marketing strategies.
“Illinois has the best location, the best people, and the best infrastructure of any other state in the nation,” Governor Rauner said, in an DCEO press release. “Our businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the Illinois economy and this year’s recipients exemplify just that. They are excellent leaders and innovators with reach across the globe, but their impacts are most felt right here at home.”
About Antunes
Antunes is a leading custom foodservice equipment manufacturer, specializing in countertop cooking and water filtration solutions for global operations. Headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois, Antunes is driven by a commitment to provide reliable performance, customer-focused service and premium quality. For more information, visit www.antunes.com.