File photo Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

LANSING, Mich. – On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded a week-long investment mission to France, Luxembourg, and Belgium, where Team Michigan strengthened relationships with global industry leaders, promoted Michigan’s leadership in defense and advanced manufacturing, and reinforced the state’s position as a top destination for international investment.

Throughout the mission, Gov. Whitmer and the delegation met with business, government, and non-governmental organization leaders to advance economic development opportunities, support Michigan companies pursuing growth in global markets, and build relationships that can lead to future job-creating investments in communities across the state.

“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,” said Gov. Whitmer. “This mission strengthened partnerships with companies that are already creating jobs in Michigan while opening doors to future opportunities in defense, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. We will continue working with partners around the world to bring home investments, support Michiganders, and grow Michigan’s economy.”

The delegation’s participation at Eurosatory, the world’s leading defense and security conference, highlighted Michigan’s growing role in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation mobility technologies. During the conference, Gov. Whitmer engaged with the 12 Michigan companies showcasing as part of Automation Alley and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) international trade mission, as well as international companies including Airbus, Daimler Truck AG, Dassault Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, and SAPA Transmissions.

Gov. Whitmer also met with executives from international companies with existing Michigan operations, including Saab, American Rheinmetall, and RENK Group, reaffirming investments representing hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs across Michigan communities.

While in France and Luxembourg, Gov. Whitmer visited additional companies with a Michigan presence including Ferrero, Forvia, OPMobility, and Valeo. In Belgium, Gov. Whitmer met with Minister-President of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele, and other leaders to discuss opportunities for collaboration in shared industries with the regions. The delegation also engaged with business leaders and organizations, including the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, and Michigan became the first state to visit the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) in Luxembourg to explore procurement opportunities for Michigan companies.

“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,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “Whether meeting with companies in these markets that have given Michigan their votes of confidence, prospective partners, or Michigan companies pursuing international growth, these in-market conversations strengthen Michigan’s competitiveness and position our state for future investment, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders and the companies that employ them.”

“Michigan’s defense industrial base continues to gain recognition on the global stage because of our manufacturing expertise, innovation capacity, and highly skilled workforce,” said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Executive Director of the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation. “Through engagements at Eurosatory and meetings with international partners, we showcased Michigan’s ability to support critical defense priorities while creating new opportunities for Michigan companies and workers. These relationships strengthen both our economic competitiveness and our contributions to national and allied security.”