Expanding with Intention: How Black Planet Helped a Singapore Brand Build Its U.S. Footprint through Smart Partnerships

At Black Planet, we don’t just help brands grow — we help them grow wisely. One of our recent projects involved guiding a Singapore-based manufacturer of high-performance fabric solutions (referred to here as SCP Inc.) into the U.S. market — not just as a seller, but as a supply chain stakeholder.

Here’s how we helped this export-ready brand create a scalable joint venture model in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

The Opportunity: From Exporter to Local Partner

SCP Inc. is a niche leader in sunshield canvas products, serving sectors like automotive, construction, and outdoor leisure. With rising shipping costs, increasing lead times, and a desire to get closer to U.S. customers, they wanted to move beyond mere exports.

The vision? Shift part of their production to the United States, establish a joint venture, and build a localized, responsive supply chain that could better serve demand across the West Coast and beyond.

This was more than a logistical challenge — it was a strategic leap.

🤝 The Black Planet Solution: Strategy Meets Execution

Black Planet provided end-to-end project support powered by the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant — a funding program under Enterprise Singapore covering up to 50% of eligible overseas expansion costs.

Our role included:

1. Joint Venture Roadmapping

• We assessed the company’s operational bottlenecks, margin leakage from international freight, and gaps in after-sales service in the U.S.

• From there, we mapped out a JV structure that would allow local canvas processing and finishing, while core materials and design control remained in Singapore.

  
  

2. Targeted Business Matching in California

• We sourced and evaluated shortlists of 10+ potential partners in the Los Angeles region, based on capability, cultural alignment, and market presence.

• After a comprehensive vetting process, we facilitated early-stage deal structuring with a mid-sized processing plant that had both the machinery and distribution network to support SCP’s needs.

  
  

3. Brand Adaptation for the U.S. Market

• While SCP's brand was well-known in Asia, U.S. buyers valued different features (e.g. “weather-resilient,” “Made in USA,” and sustainability claims).

• Our creative team refreshed key messaging for North American distributors and OEM clients, aligning with regulatory norms and eco-certifications.

  
  

4. Grant Strategy Compliance

• We worked closely with SCP to scope the project under MRA-eligible categories such as business development, market set-up, and branding activities.

• Our documentation, financial breakdowns, and justifications ensured grant approval was smooth and timely.

  
  

Results: A New Chapter in Global Growth

SCP Inc. is now in the final stages of forming a joint venture with the California-based processor.

A pilot batch of materials is already being processed locally, with turnaround time improved by 40%.

Freight costs per unit are expected to fall by 25–30% once full capacity is shifted.

The brand has begun onboarding U.S. sales reps with native-market experience, supported by localized pitch decks and sample kits.

Why It Worked — And What We Learned

This case wasn't about fast scaling — it was about strategic transformation. SCP shifted its identity from exporter to operator, reducing dependency on external logistics and enhancing product responsiveness.

At Black Planet, this is our sweet spot:

• We merge strategic insight with creative positioning.

• We maximize government grant potential for real business outcomes.

• We think beyond brand assets, and focus on building real-world business bridges.

  
  

Want to Go Global Without Losing Your Edge?

If you're a product-based business looking to build international operations with clarity and control — not just luck and hustle — we're ready to help.

Drop us a note at info@blackplanetsg.com Or connect on IG @blackplanetsg