Ex-Im Bank helps finance U.S. bridge exports to Cameroon

The U.S. Export-Import Bank on Thursday said it will guarantee a $50 million loan to finance the export of 55 American-made bridge sets to Cameroon.    The U.S. Export-Import Bank on Thursday said it will guarantee a $50 million loan to finance the export of 55 American-made bridge sets to Cameroon.
   The loan, extended by Société Générale to Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works, allows the export of modular steel bridges manufactured by Acrow Corporation of America, a small company based in Parsippany, N.J.
   According to Ex-Im Bank, the transaction will support about 200 American jobs in Parsippany; Milton, Pa.; and New Castle, Del.
   Awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Export in 2011, Acrow is a major manufacturer and supplier of modular steel bridge systems. The company has sold bridges in more than 60 countries, and over 1,000 Acrow bridges have been installed in developing countries since 2007.
   The modular steel bridges, which are prefabricated in the United States, will contribute to the development of regional trade through the repair and modernization of Cameroon’s rural infrastructure. “Currently, parts of Cameroon’s transportation infrastructure are in disrepair, preventing access to schools, medical clinics, and other basic goods and services,” Ex-Im Bank said.