State hopes to attract new investment in manufacturing, mobility industries, and promote tourism
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is leading an eight-day investment mission to Europe, focusing on attracting job-creating business investments and promoting Michigan’s strength in the automotive, mobility, and tourism sectors.
Snyder will meet with dozens of company and government leaders now through Wednesday, April 25. He also will tour Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology trade fair taking place in Hannover, Germany.
“Michigan continues to dominate the mobility industry and we need to tell our story globally to keep that momentum going,” Snyder said.
“We’re the leader in automotive research and design, we have a strong manufacturing base and supply chain, and we have a talented workforce. Those qualities are attractive to businesses considering expanding in the United States and we want them to create those jobs in Michigan.”
Snyder begins his mission in Austria meeting with executives from a range of companies as well as government leaders. Following Austria, Snyder will head to the United Kingdom where he will visit several mobility facilities and large employers. He also will participate in a travel media event at the British Motor Museum, where he will strengthen the awareness of Michigan as a leisure travel destination and highlight the rich car culture opportunities in Michigan. The museum also will feature a special exhibit dedicated to the life of Henry Ford and Ford vehicles.
The following week, Snyder will travel to Hannover, Germany, where he will meet with executives from global automotive suppliers and other leading manufacturers.
“It’s important for leaders and employers in other countries to hear all that Michigan offers as the premier automotive business location in North America and Hannover Messe is the perfect opportunity to highlight our leading position in manufacturing and automotive innovation.”
After Hannover, Snyder will travel to Amsterdam to meet with Dutch company executives and government officials before returning to Michigan.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Jeff Mason, Auto Sector Senior Vice President Kevin Kerrigan, and Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz will join the trade mission.
Michigan’s reinvented economy and strong manufacturing base have made the state an attractive location for foreign investment. Recent investment in Michigan from European companies includes:
• Infineon Technologies Americas Corp. is a subsidiary of Infineon Technologies AG, a German semiconductor manufacturer. The company is expanding into the connected and autonomous vehicle space based on the need for diversification and customer demand and will expand its existing facility in the city of Livonia, investing $1.55 million and creating 25 jobs.
• NAVYA Inc., a France-based global leader in developing and manufacturing autonomous vehicles, announced in July 2017 plans to establish its first assembly plant in North America. To be located in Saline, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than $1 million and create 50 jobs.
• Venice, Italy-based Siliconature Corp. announced in 2017 it would open its first U.S. production facility in Gaines Charter Township, located in metro Grand Rapids. The manufacturer of silicone coated adhesive tapes and labels will invest $19 million and create 26 jobs.
• HP Pelzer Automotive Systems, Inc. is part of Witten, Germany-based Adler Pelzer Group, a global manufacturer of soft trim automotive parts. The company announced in 2017 it was adding a new production facility in the city of Port Huron, a project that is expected to generate an investment of nearly $13.5 million and create 124 jobs.
In addition, leaders from six Michigan companies are traveling to Germany to participate in the MEDC’s booth at Hannover Messe, where they will have the opportunity to present their companies to potential buyers and meet with government and business leaders. Automation Alley is spearheading the Hannover Messe mission.
“Our innovative technologies in manufacturing, IT, and electronics have global appeal and we welcome the opportunity to explore smart trade partnerships,” MEDC CEO Jeff Mason said. “Diverse industries and ease of entry into other European countries provide an excellent opportunity for Michigan companies to increase their exports.”
The companies participating in the mission include:
—Duggan Manufacturing (Shelby Township) Provider of prototype and low volume sheet metal fabrication, stamping and welding.
—LHP Engineering Solutions (Pontiac) Specializes in creating custom, flexible, and comprehensive technology solutions in the automotive, aerospace, and medical fields.
—Light Guide Systems (Wixom) Uses proprietary software and high-powered projector systems to guide and confirm completion of complex tasks that provide the visualization, traceability and flexibility demanded by leading companies worldwide.
—Managed Programs LLC (Auburn Hills) Focuses primarily on the development and manufacturing of various engineered plastic parts and systems for the automotive OEM, aftermarket, marine, industrial engine, and motorsports industries.
—MHSI (Rochester Hills) Leader in big data management of logistics, material handling planning and material flow.
—Zero Gravity Filters, Inc. (Brighton) Provides quality solutions that have improved operations and profitability for companies in the
automotive, steel, oil, power gen, and HVAC industries.
Export sales facilitated by MEDC’s International Trade program totaled $606 million in fiscal year 2017, surpassing the goal of $575 million.
This puts the program-to-date facilitated export sales at more than $2 billion. In fiscal year 2017, the program allocated more than $1.5 million in STEP incentives to 268 Michigan companies. Top reported countries for export sales include Mexico, China, Canada, and the UK.
Other missions led by Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley include trips to France, Japan, South Korea, Canada, China, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Columbia, India, Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland. The missions have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of investments in Michigan by foreign companies adding thousands of jobs to Michigan’s workforce.
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