Sunnen Products Company has received the 2012 Global Pioneer Award from the St. Louis Regional International Partnership (SLRIP). The award is given annually to a St. Louis-based company that demonstrates an exemplary understanding of, and commitment to, innovation for global expansion. Matthew Sunnen Kreider, president of Sunnen Products, accepted the award at the 4th annual International Trade Night, held May 16 at Washington University's Knight Executive Education and Conference Center.

Sunnen has exported its honing machines, tooling, abrasives and fluids since the 1930s, and is the world's largest fully integrated honing company. The company exported 42 percent of its sales in 2011. Sunnen locations abroad include facilities in Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The company also has a network of more than 50 factory-authorized distributors to support customers worldwide. Sunnen was recognized for its success as an international leader of advanced honing technology, as well as its expert technicians, training, services and support.