On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Snyder congratulated two Michigan companies for signing memorandums of understanding with Chinese companies that will foster stronger economic partnerships between Michigan and China. Both companies have joined Snyder on previous trade missions to China.
Snyder made the announcement as he and his delegation completed the fourth full day of his 2016 China investment mission.
"These joint ventures are great examples of how the strength of the auto industry both in Michigan and the Chongqing region can create smart business opportunities and partners. We are proud of these two Michigan companies, Gage Products and Lorin Industries, for their continued growth and success in expanding into international markets," said Snyder, who witnessed the MOU signings. "Michigan is committed to economic partnership with Chongqing, not only in the auto sector but in other industries as well."
Gage Products Company is a Ferndale-based supplier of chemical related products and processes, specializing in high performance solvent blends and custom test fuel blends. The MOU Gage signed Tuesday was with Sichuan SIKEYONGHE Technologies that agreed to form a joint Chongqing company that will make cleaning solvents to support Chinese automotive customers.
"We have been investigating the Chinese market for the past five years," said Gage Chairman Dan Finkiewicz. "Today, the search has ended with the right partner in the right location, Chongqing."
Lorin Industries, headquartered in Muskegon, has been a world leader in coil anodizing since 1943. Lorin's technology provides a vast array of aluminum finishing options that gives architects, designers and manufacturing engineers many possibilities for interior and exterior design. The MOU Lorin signed Tuesday was with Shenzhen Bond Industry Co. Ltd. to solidify their commitment to collaborate together on the successful completion of the Chongqing Airport terminal project.
"As a Michigan manufacturer, Lorin is excited about the increasing opportunities to sell products in China," said Lorin President Park Kersman. "Though we have worked very hard to get these results, Governor Snyder and his efforts to support small businesses in Michigan helped make it possible."
Concurrent with this year's China mission, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is leading executives from 11 Michigan companies on a trade mission to increase export opportunities from Michigan to China. The companies are participating in matchmaking events that include customized appointments with prospective partners, distributors and buyers in each region. The participants will also receive in-country briefings about doing business in China.
"Today's MOU signings are perfect examples of how trade missions can pay off for Michigan companies," Snyder said. "These Michigan businesses, with products ranging from testing systems to logistics services, will have a never-before-seen opportunity to reach new customers in the fastest-growing economy in the world."
The participating companies are:
- Analytical Process System (Auburn Hills) Producer of custom test systems and equipment.
- Corrigan Air & Sea (Romulus) Provider of international logistics services.
- Cross Technologies Group Inc. (Westland) Producer of chemical specialties.
- IMS Group (Flint) Manufacturer of plastic injection molding and tooling.
- Inora Technologies, Inc. (Ann Arbor) Producer of machine verification systems and machine health diagnostics.
- Maximum Mold (Benton Harbor) Manufacturer of plastic molds and die cast dies.
- Gershonowicz Brothers LLC (Detroit) Marketing, advertising and communications firm.
- Re-Source Industries Inc. (Muskegon) Provider of international logistics services.
- Logos Logistics (Taylor) Provider of international logistics services.
- James Group (Detroit) Provider of international logistics services.
- Lorin Industries (Muskegon) Manufacturer of coil anodizing.
Snyder Tuesday also met with Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan to discuss the mutual partnership between Chongqing and Michigan, industry ties, and economic opportunities, and he met with leaders of several Chinese companies that are considering expanding into Michigan.
During the remainder of his mission, Snyder will make company visits and meet with business leaders and senior government officials in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Nanchang.
The trip marks the Snyder administration's sixth mission to China. Other missions led by Snyder or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have included Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Columbia, Switzerland, Ireland, and Great Britain.
Published: Thu, Nov 17, 2016
