LANSING, Mich. – In a significant move to bolster global partnerships and economic growth, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has completed a strategic investment mission to Germany and Italy. The mission aimed to enhance Michigan’s presence in key industries like defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
“Michigan has always stepped up when our nation and our allies needed us most,” proclaimed Governor Whitmer. She emphasized Michigan’s legacy from the “Arsenal of Democracy” to its current innovations in defense and aerospace, reiterating that the state is prepared to lead once more. Her mission was to solidify important partnerships, demonstrate Michigan’s unparalleled industrial capabilities, and convey to the global community that Michigan is the place for future defense and aerospace developments.
During her time in Munich, Governor Whitmer met with international leaders and defense stakeholders at the Munich Security Conference. Here, she emphasized Michigan’s growing importance in the defense industrial base and advanced manufacturing, highlighting the state’s crucial role in maintaining U.S. and allied readiness.
At the conference, “Team Michigan” formally introduced the Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan. This five-year roadmap, developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), aims to expand Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors, boost national security, and create high-paying jobs throughout the state.
“Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan positions our state to compete and win globally,” stated Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of ODAI at MEDC. He noted that the plan aligns various sectors, from industry to universities, around a shared mission to accelerate innovation and expand industrial capacity, thus ensuring Michigan remains vital to America’s national security. Gutierrez stressed the importance of sharing this vision with global partners during the investment mission.
The strategic plan leverages Michigan’s strong points, such as a skilled workforce, a world-class manufacturing base, dynamic research institutions, and essential defense assets, to drive innovation in defense, aerospace, maritime, and space technologies.
“Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century means ensuring Michigan delivers what the warfighter needs to deter and win future conflicts,” explained U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He highlighted Michigan’s integrated defense and aerospace ecosystem, anchored by the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. This facility serves as a national range for testing uncrewed aerial systems and provides the scale and conditions needed for realistic operational development and testing.
Concluding her mission in Italy, Governor Whitmer engaged with senior executives and partners in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing to explore future collaborations and strengthen economic ties. She also met with leaders from the U.S. Army’s 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team and engaged with soldiers from Michigan.
In Munich, Governor Whitmer held discussions with companies such as RENK and Eco/G, while in Italy she met with Eldor, ItalDesign, and Brembo. These meetings highlighted Michigan’s strengths as an investment destination. Additionally, she visited Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding group collaborating with the University of Michigan’s Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering program, aiming to drive U.S. shipbuilding innovation and provide practical learning experiences for students.
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.
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