Patton Electronics Co. employees, with President Bobby Patton (front row, third from left) and co-founder Burt Patton (front row, center). Photo courtesy of Patton Electronics Co.
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Patton Electronics Co. employees, with President Bobby Patton (front row, third from left) and co-founder Burt Patton (front row, center). Photo courtesy of Patton Electronics Co. |
Patton Electronics Company of Gaithersburg, Md., is a classic family-owned, “Made It in America” success story. The start-up company was founded in 1984 by two brothers, Bobby and Burt Patton, when they were students at the University of Maryland.
Patton makes modems, routers and connectivity products for the telecommunications industry – basically the infrastructure for modern telecommunications systems. The company has been using an Ex-Im Bank-guaranteed $4 million working capital revolving loan since 2000 to grow its international business. The line of credit enables the company to purchase inventory and finance receivables. Today, Patton Electronics sells more than 2,000 products in over 120 countries around the world. Exports make up about 70 percent of Patton’s $30 million business, and the company’s workforce has grown to over 200 employees.
The company’s president, Bobby Patton, has been asked why he hasn’t moved his factory offshore. His response is that he would never sacrifice the quality, craftsmanship or flexibility to adapt his products to meet market needs. He believes that having his product designers working closely to the shop floor gives him a competitive edge and it allows him to innovate faster and more efficiently. For the Pattons and their customers, “Made in the USA” means something. Customers appreciate the reliability of Patton’s products, straightforward approach to business and customer service.
“I truly understand the importance of international trade and the impact it can have on small business,” said Patton President Bobby Patton. “It’s simple: We want to ship to more countries, grow our client base and create more jobs. Ex-Im Bank’s financing has helped me to sustain more than 200 jobs.”