Virginia continues to strengthen its position in global markets with the expansion of the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade program, known as VALET. Announced by Governor Abigail Spanberger, the latest class includes 12 new companies joining the two year international business acceleration program in 2026, among them FasTech LLC.
Administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), VALET is designed to help Virginia based companies that have established domestic operations expand their international sales. With 439 graduates to date and an average 78 percent increase in international sales among participants, the program has built a national reputation as a high impact export development initiative.
What the VALET Program Means for Virginia
International trade has long been a cornerstone of Virginia’s economic growth. The Commonwealth exports approximately $75 billion in goods and services annually, and global engagement remains critical as companies navigate shifting supply chains and evolving trade policies.
VALET provides participating companies with comprehensive support, including development of a customized international sales plan, access to experienced international service providers, introductions to potential global partners, educational programming, and tailored market research.
The program operates over two years, giving companies time to implement structured strategies, build relationships, and execute sustainable international growth plans. For regions like Southern Virginia, where advanced manufacturing continues to expand, programs like VALET serve as accelerators for job creation, capital investment, and industry diversification.
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The Role of VEDP
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to stimulate and support economic expansion throughout the state. VEDP focuses on business recruitment, business expansion, and international trade development.
Each year, VEDP International Trade supports approximately 500 Virginia companies in their global business development efforts. In the last year alone, companies attributed $2.3 billion in international sales to VEDP’s assistance, supporting more than 20,900 jobs across Virginia.
What This Means for Manufacturing
Manufacturing remains one of the most important economic drivers in the region, particularly in defense, aerospace, energy, and other critical sectors. As global demand for high performance components increases, the ability to export advanced manufacturing solutions becomes essential.
Programs like VALET enable manufacturers to scale beyond domestic markets, increase export revenues, create high skilled jobs, invest in advanced technologies, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
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Fastech’s Commitment to End to End Manufacturing
As a participant in the 2026 VALET cohort, Fastech brings a unique advanced manufacturing capability to the program. Based in Danville, Virginia, Fastech delivers end to end manufacturing services, supporting customers from concept through finished production.
We are a real part manufacturer for real case applications. Our work supports defense and other critical sectors where performance, reliability, and precision are non negotiable.
Fastech specializes in additive manufacturing technologies, including Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing and Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition. These processes allow for the production of large scale metal components, near net shape structures, and complex geometries with reduced material waste and shorter lead times compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing methods.
By integrating additive manufacturing with conventional machining, inspection, and finishing capabilities, Fastech delivers fully qualified parts ready for deployment. This integrated approach strengthens supply chains and supports mission critical industries.
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Expanding Export Sales and Creating Jobs
Participation in the VALET program represents an important step in expanding Fastech’s international footprint. Export growth drives revenue diversification, reduces dependency on single markets, and opens access to strategic partnerships worldwide.
As international sales grow, so does the opportunity to create new, high quality jobs in Southern Virginia. Skilled technicians, engineers, machinists, and additive manufacturing specialists are essential to scaling production and meeting global demand.
Building the Future of Advanced Manufacturing in Virginia
Virginia’s continued investment in trade acceleration underscores its commitment to advanced manufacturing leadership. By supporting companies ready to compete globally, the Commonwealth is cultivating innovation, resilience, and long term economic growth.
For Fastech, joining the 2026 VALET cohort aligns with our mission to deliver advanced manufacturing solutions that serve real world applications in defense and other critical industries. With the backing of VEDP and the structure of the VALET program, we are positioned to accelerate export growth, expand our impact, and contribute to Virginia’s reputation as a hub for cutting edge manufacturing.
