Gov. Whitmer’s European Mission Strengthens Michigan’s Global Ties

LANSING, Mich. – In a bid to fortify international economic ties, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has completed a productive week-long investment mission across France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The trip aimed at enhancing Michigan’s standing in global defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, further establishing the state as a prime location for international investments.

During the mission, Governor Whitmer and her team engaged with leaders from the business, governmental, and non-governmental sectors to explore economic development avenues. These interactions were geared towards assisting Michigan companies in expanding globally and fostering connections that could lead to future investments and job creation statewide.

Governor Whitmer emphasized, “Michigan is competing and winning because we continue to show up, build relationships, and make the case for why our state is the best place to invest and grow.” She noted that the mission bolstered existing partnerships and created potential opportunities in defense, advanced manufacturing, and new technologies, with a focus on bringing investments back to Michigan.

The mission included participation at Eurosatory, the premier global defense and security conference, emphasizing Michigan’s burgeoning influence in aerospace, defense, and next-generation mobility. Governor Whitmer engaged with 12 Michigan companies represented by Automation Alley and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) during the event. Notable international companies such as Airbus, Daimler Truck AG, Dassault Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, and SAPA Transmissions were also part of the dialogue.

Meetings with executives from Saab, American Rheinmetall, and RENK Group reasserted commitments involving substantial investments and job creation within Michigan communities. Additional discussions in France and Luxembourg included companies like Ferrero, Forvia, OPMobility, and Valeo, while in Belgium, Gov. Whitmer explored industrial collaborations with regional leaders, including the Minister-President of Wallonia and the Minister-President of Flanders.

Michigan’s delegation also interacted with U.S. Ambassador to NATO and made history as the first state to visit the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) in Luxembourg, seeking procurement opportunities for Michigan enterprises.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC, stated, “Team Michigan’s engagement with companies across France, Luxembourg, and Belgium reinforced a simple message: Michigan is open for business and eager to build partnerships that create opportunities for our people and businesses.” He highlighted that these dialogues enhance Michigan’s competitiveness and set the stage for future economic growth.

Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Executive Director of the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, added, “Michigan’s defense industrial base continues to gain recognition on the global stage because of our manufacturing expertise, innovation capacity, and highly skilled workforce.” He mentioned that the mission demonstrated Michigan’s ability to support crucial defense priorities while opening new opportunities for local businesses and workers.

This investment mission was supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)