Rocklin Manufacturing has been named as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year for the state of Iowa. The 90-year-old company was also selected as the SBA Regional Exporter of the Year winner for SBA’s Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Founded in 1934 by I.J. Rocklin, Rocklin Manufacturing is a third-generation family business that manufactures and distributes portable industrial electronic equipment to 50 countries through their global sales and distribution network. The company's core product is the Rocklinizer, which applies a hard and wear resistant surface to reduce wear, optimize grip, and extend the life of metals, tools and dies. The other product they manufacture is the MoldMender Micro Welder, which repairs plastic injection molds and dies. They also import portable products for distribution throughout North America, including dot peen and laser marking and laser cleaning equipment.
To help the company increase its export sales, Rocklin has used utilized the SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Initiative. Rocklin has also utilized SBA financing to renovate the company’s certified historic building, which is believed to be the last surviving building in Iowa that supported both world wars within its walls.
The company has also received support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), who nominated Rocklin for the award.