Building Bridges: A Productive Meeting with VDMA at GETT North America. Chapter 14

We had the pleasure of hosting Camille Rowe from Chicago, Illinois, and Alessia Sarasino from Washington, D.C., both representing VDMA. For those unfamiliar, VDMA (the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) supports more than 3,600 European companies—1,000 of which have subsidiaries in the U.S.—making it a key partner in connecting with internationally based businesses already operating stateside.

At GETT North America, it’s crucial for us to stay connected with as many companies as possible across the U.S. to continuously grow and strengthen our network. We provide support not only to European companies looking to enter the American market but also to those that are already established here. Our services include warehousing, trade show logistics, product assembly, and sourcing raw materials through our global supplier network. Even companies with an existing U.S. footprint—but without dedicated warehouse infrastructure—can benefit from our flexible solutions like storage and shipping services until they’re ready to build their own facilities.

One of the key topics discussed during our meeting was the current political landscape regarding Section 301 tariffs. Originally introduced by the U.S. government, these tariffs affect a wide range of goods imported from China. For companies sourcing components or manufacturing in China, the tariffs can significantly impact costs and alter strategic decisions.

Our meeting with VDMA was insightful and productive. We had a meaningful exchange on market trends, future initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. I also gave Camille and Alessia a quick tour of our new facility—even though it’s still in the setup phase. We wrapped up with a collaborative brainstorming session focused on how we can further leverage our relationship to benefit both U.S. and European companies.

It was truly a pleasure to meet Camille and Alessia in person. We look forward to continuing the conversation—whether in Houston, Chicago, or Washington, D.C.