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OGDEN -- While most businesses suffered in 2009, one Utah company doubled its sales by helping other companies go global.
Companies that want to expand their business today often look to global markets. That's good news for U.S. Translation Company of South Ogden which can break down barriers in 108 different languages.
More than 516 million non-English-speaking users are now on the Internet. -U.S. Translation Company
When company president David Utrilla looks at the world, he sees opportunities, hears different languages and knows he can solve linguistics problems for American companies.
"They are always looking for opportunities to do business with other countries," says Utrilla.
As an international student from Peru at Weber State University, he discovered the importance of accurate translation in business.
Utrilla started U.S. Translation Company 15 years ago. Until last year, the business grew about 25 percent annually. But, in 2009 it grew 100 percent.
"Many companies were struggling in the U.S. market, so they started to see the international market as potential to keep their companies alive and to grow," he says.
About 40 percent of his clients are Utah businesses. Utrilla's linguists enable those companies to go after business in Europe, Asia or anywhere in the world.
• 73% would purchase one product over another if it were in their language.
• 61% would be reluctant to purchase if the product was in their language, but was poorly translated.
Source: Wordbank Ltd.
World Trade Center Utah helps local businesses clear the logistical hurdles to engage in international trade. WTC Utah President and CEO Lew W. Cramer says Utrilla's language services business gives Utah companies a critical tool to expand into new markets.
"Utah exports translate directly into Utah jobs," says Cramer. "The kind of jobs that are reflected in our exports are the higher paying jobs in the state."
All of the translators, interpreters and teachers for U.S. Translation Company are native speakers. Right now, there are 1,500 under contract.
Translators handle written materials like manuals and websites while interpreters handle verbal services like conventions and court cases.
It's not always easy, says Russian interpreter Dina Hall. Try to translate "couch potato," for example.
"I have to know what it means," says Hall. "I can't just interpret it as 'couch' as a piece of furniture, and potato as a 'vegetable.' I have to know the meaning. If I don't know the meaning, I have to learn it."
D.C. Lee is a Korean interpreter and translator who has worked freelance for Utrilla for three years. He knows accuracy in the language paves the way for successful business relationships.
"Translation and interpretation are the most important in the beginning of business," he says.
The company works for Usana, Xango, NuSkin and Ultradent -- companies large and small.
Utrilla credits much of his success to the global approach by many Utah companies. Even the first steps can produce business growth.
"A lot of times, they start just translating their website," he says of client companies, "and they start taking orders, and it's amazing how they can grow."
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
