Waste management speciality corporation keys on global marketing

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Presenting the U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Achievent Certificate on Aug. 27 were (from left) USDC representative Greg Thompson and Congressman Max Sandlin to AgPro's international director Neal Dismukes, AgPro founder Joe Gribble, and AgPro's marketing director Donald Gribble. -Staff photo by Montgomery

September 5, 2002 -- A business in Paris has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDC) for their recent accomplishments for the global market.

AgPro, a waste management speciality corporation, was presented this award by USDC representative Greg Thompson. Also in attendance was Congressman Max Sandlin (D-Texas).

"We were very surprised to receive this award," Donald Gribble, AgPro director of engineering, said at the Aug. 27 presentation.

"We appreciate the recognition," said Neal Dismukes, AgPro international director. "It's not every day the government recognizes the layman out in the field."

The USDC's Export Achievement Certificate recognizes companies that have made their first export sale or that have opened new foreign markets.

"I didn't know the award was even available until Greg (Thompson) called and asked about applying," Dismukes added.

The company is one of three big players on the waste management scene. The others are based in California and Canada.

With the government placing stricter rules and requirements for waste water treatment, dairies around the world are having to update their equipment. (Ninety-five percent of Agpro's business are dairies.)

"We have to stay abreast of the rules and requirements for waste water," said Joe Gribble, AgPro founder. "I feel we are years ahead of our competition."

Internationally, the company is working with dairies in Saudi Arabia and China.

AgPro is a family-owned business. Dad Joe and son Donald both are involved in the day-to-day operation, but Joe is supposed to be "retired." The family also owns another Paris agriculture company, Five-G Consulting, which involves another son, a grandson, and two of Joe's brothers (thus, five Gribbles).

AgPro's equipment line includes flush values, flush tanks, flush dams, water troughs, ditch covers, pumps, and separators.