Michigan’s Strategic Push for Global Economic Partnerships
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has embarked on a critical mission to Germany. The goal is to solidify Michigan’s international economic ties, draw new investments, and foster well-paying job opportunities for residents.
The mission includes attending SEMICON Europa, a major event in the electronics manufacturing sector, to promote Michigan’s potential and engage with German officials to explore avenues for economic collaboration. This visit underscores Michigan’s dedication to establishing itself as a prime hub for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and other burgeoning sectors.
Governor Whitmer emphasized, “Michigan is open for business, and we’ve continued to go anywhere and compete with everyone to bring good-paying jobs and investments back home. Germany has been a critical partner in Michigan’s economic success, with companies investing billions in our state.”
Strengthening Ties with German Enterprises
Governor Whitmer’s itinerary includes a visit to Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s key applied research entity, which has been collaborating with Michigan State University (MSU) since 1994. This partnership has been pivotal in advancing research in semiconductor technologies, showcasing the robust connection between Michigan’s economic landscape and Germany.
In September 2026, MSU secured a $20 million NSF grant to establish the IDiCaRS facility, marking a significant leap in semiconductor innovation. This initiative will not only bolster space exploration technologies but also amplify workforce development in Michigan.
Dr. Thomas Schuelke, President of Fraunhofer USA, Inc, remarked, “For more than three decades, Michigan has been Fraunhofer’s home in the United States. Governor Whitmer’s visit underscores what we see every day: when German applied research meets Michigan’s industrial strength and MSU’s scientific excellence, the result is technology that moves from the lab to the factory floor and creates jobs here at home.”
Advancing Michigan’s Global Economic Strategy
During SEMICON Europa, the Michigan delegation aims to highlight the state’s engineering prowess, manufacturing capabilities, and innovation ecosystem. These discussions aim to attract investments and foster new partnerships in Michigan’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Meetings with industry leaders, including Siemens, will focus on reinforcing existing relationships and exploring growth opportunities. The team will also engage German government officials to foster bilateral economic relations and discuss shared priorities. A roundtable with VDMA, Europe’s largest machinery and equipment manufacturing network, is also planned.
Germany continues to be a pivotal partner, with numerous investments by German companies in Michigan since 2019. These include significant projects by RENK Group and American Rheinmetall, which collectively promise substantial job creation and economic growth.
This mission, backed by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, aims to ensure Michigan remains an attractive destination for global investments and economic expansion.
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