WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/12/2010) - A Milwaukee based company that provides a service to military and commercial aerospace customers has been honored with a small business award. S3 International, LLC, Milwaukee, Wis., has been named 2010 Wisconsin Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). S3 International provides aircraft spare parts and repair management services to military and commercial aerospace customers.

"We are thrilled and honored to be selected as the 2010 Wisconsin Small Business Exporter of the year," said Aksel Sidem, general manager of S3 International.

"It is very rewarding for every one of us at S3 International to be recognized for the hard work accomplished over the past several years," Sidem continued.

"We thank the SBA for protecting, supporting and promoting the interests of small businesses," said general manager Aksel Sidem.

The company was founded in 2005 by Jeff P. Wnuk. In 2007, Aksel J. Sidem and Sebastien M. Imbert joined Wnuk as partners. Today, the business employs 19 people.

- From 2006 to 2008, the company's sales more than doubled.

- 98 percent of S3 International's existing sales are export sales.

S3 International partners with domestic FAA licensed repair shops further contributing to job growth in the United States.

S3's niche is minimizing maintenance costs and down time for customers by supplying service or parts in a cost effective and timely manner.

Given the extremely competitive nature of the aviation industry, S3 International recognizes that the key to success in this market is listening to customer requirements and acting on behalf of the customer.

The company's customer-focused versatility, coupled with S3's experience and expertise, enables the business to provide optimal, low-risk, reliable, timely and affordable solutions. This approach of promoting the customers' best interests as opposed to that of the suppliers' has proven to be very successful.

Each year, the SBA recognizes the special impact made by outstanding small business owners and champions of America's entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week, which is May 23 - May 29, 2010. S3 International will be recognized at an SBA awards ceremony on June 4 at the Italian Community Center, Milwaukee.

Associated Bank, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., nominated S3 International for the award.

"Albeit small, we are pleased to play a role in the success of S3 International," said Associated Bank Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager Derek Smith.

"This is a great example of the type of global vision and expertise U.S. companies need to continue making exporting inroads during the 21st century," Smith said.

S3 International, LLC provides aircraft spare parts and supplies to military and commercial aerospace customers. It also offers customers an extensive range of repair capability for items such as airframe and engine accessories, engines, avionics and auxiliary power units.