Founded in 1934 by I.J. Rocklin, Rocklin Manufacturing is a third-generation family business that manufactures and distributes portable industrial electronic equipment, including carbide application equipment to minimize wear and maximize grip, micro welders to repair molds and dies, and dot peen and laser marking equipment to optimize equipment traceability. Exporting has been an essential aspect of Rocklin’s growth and sustainability for over 60 years.

To help the company increase its export sales, Rocklin has used utilized the SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Initiative. Services under the STEP Program are funded in part by SBA and are managed and provided at the local level by state government organizations. In Iowa, the STEP program is provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and offers financial assistance to support specific marketing efforts to increase the number of Iowa small business exporters and the products and services they export.

In addition to STEP Grant funding, Rocklin has also utilized SBA financing to renovate the company’s certified historic building. The financing, through SBA’s 7(a) program, helped Rocklin construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation within a building that has the distinction of having supported both world wars within its walls.

“The SBA is proud to honor a family-owned manufacturer such as Rocklin Manufacturing for its exporting success,” said Jayne Armstrong, District Director of the SBA Iowa District Office. “Its American-made products are putting Iowa manufacturing on the map worldwide.”

Rocklin Manufacturing was nominated for this award by Peggy Kerr, formerly of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s International Trade Office.

In recognition of the small business community’s contributions to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. Scheduled for the week of April 28th this year, Small Business Week 2024 will honor the more than 30 million small businesses in America. Since its establishment in 1963, the highlight of this annual tradition is the presentation of awards which focus on the outstanding contributions of small business persons and champions at the district, state, and national levels.