NORTH ATTLEBORO - A local manufacturer and exporter of niche medical products has been honored for its aggressive stance in promoting international business.

Massachusetts Alliance for International Business presented its Ambassador Award to officials of Health Enterprises Inc., one of three Bay State companies honored for their success in exporting.

Health Enterprises Inc. markets a number of products under its Acu-Life Brand and private label brands including medical compliance items, first aid, home health, eye-ear products, pill boxes, medical ID bracelets and lice care appliances.

The company distributes in over 40 countries worldwide, with representatives attending regular international trade shows in Europe, South America and Asia.

Company officials worked closely with the Massachusetts Export Center and the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment to identify foreign market opportunities and adapt packaging and product design. The company has expanded international sales at a 17 percent annual pace since 2003. Glenn Leman, president of Health Enterprises, called the award a "great honor" and said the company had benefited from the efforts of state agencies and the company's international sales manager, Brooke Fishbeck, in expanding its overseas sales. Leman said the addition of business from foreign chain retailers, particularly in Europe, has helped the company diversify its list of customers and build markets for a growing list of products. He said foreign sales is a key part of the company's success strategy.

"In this business, it's innovate or die," said Leman. "But there's no reason companies here in Massachusetts can't be selling to people in other countries."

Heinrich Ceramic Decal of Worcester and Springfield-based Solutia wee the other companies receiving recognition for export strategies at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Annual Meeting.