(WWJ) Governor Gretchen Whitmer is in Germany this week leading a state delegation on an investment mission aimed at bringing new business and good-paying jobs back to Michigan.
Alongside Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Whitmer is meeting with German government officials and major industry executives. The goal is to position Michigan as a prime hub for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and defense.
“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,” Whitmer said. “Germany has been a critical partner in Michigan's economic success, with companies investing billions in our state, creating jobs, and helping us lead the future of manufacturing and innovation. We've built strong relationships with German businesses over the years, and we're going to keep showing up and making the case for why Michigan is the best place to invest and grow. Together, we'll keep building on our momentum, creating opportunities for Michiganders, and showing the world what it means to 'Make It in Michigan.'”
A major stop on the trip is SEMICON Europa, Europe’s largest electronics design and manufacturing event, where the Michigan team will pitch the state’s engineering talent and supply chain to global tech leaders. Whitmer is also joining a roundtable with VDMA, Europe’s largest network for machinery and equipment manufacturers, and meeting with executives from companies that already have a footprint in Michigan, including industrial tech giant Siemens.
“Relationships matter in economic development, and sustained engagement with our international partners is essential to Michigan's long-term competitiveness,” Messer said.
“Germany is one of Michigan's most important economic partner markets, and our continued relationship building in market demonstrates our commitment to the companies that have already chosen Michigan while positioning us to compete for their next investments while introducing ourselves to companies who might not be as familiar with our state. From semiconductors to advanced manufacturing and mobility, established companies and start-ups are helping create opportunities for more Michiganders to realize their economic aspirations here. Team Michigan remains willing to show up, listen to companies’ and entrepreneurs’ needs, and tell Michigan's compelling story to business leaders around the world.”
Whitmer kicked off the trip with a visit to Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s top applied research organization. Its U.S. arm has been headquartered at Michigan State University (MSU) since 1994. In September, MSU landed a $20 million National Science Foundation grant to build a new facility alongside Fraunhofer USA to develop next-generation semiconductors for space exploration.
“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,” said Dr. Thomas Schuelke, President of Fraunhofer USA, Inc.
Germany is already a massive economic driver for the state. Since 2019, German companies have launched 74 projects in Michigan, accounting for nearly $2 billion in investment. Recent visits have already paid off: earlier this year, defense supplier RENK Group announced $150 million in combined capital and research investments expected to support 300 jobs, and Volkswagen Group of America committed $13 million to retain over 900 jobs in Oakland County.
The trip is funded through the MEDC and the independent, non-profit Michigan Economic Development Foundation.
