Michigan companies travel to Mexico to expand export opportunities, create jobs

Business leaders from 10 Michigan companies are traveling to Mexico next week meeting with prospective partners, distributors and end customers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to Mexico – with a goal of creating more and better jobs.

LANSING, Mich. – Business leaders from 10 Michigan companies are traveling to Mexico next week meeting with prospective partners, distributors and end customers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to Mexico – with a goal of creating more and better jobs.

The trade mission is being led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program.

“As a developing global player and our second-largest trade partner, Mexico is an important and viable market for a wide range of products and services,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “This trade mission will open doors for these companies by helping them identify and enter into new relationships, ultimately growing their businesses and bringing more and better jobs to Michigan residents.”

Delegates from the export mission have worked with the Michigan Mexico Center to develop a full schedule of pre-arranged business matchmaking meetings in Mexico City, Queretaro and Monterrey. In addition to customized appointments with prospective partners, distributors and buyers in each region, participants also will receive an in-country briefing about doing business in Mexico and participate in high-level networking events.

The participating companies are:
Duggan Manufacturing (Shelby Twp.) – Manufacturer of custom precision metal parts for aerospace, defense and automotive industries. 
Flexible Automation Inc. (Burton) – Custom robot automation integrator for the automotive, medical and consumer products industries.
Hydra-Lock Corporation (Mt. Clemens) – Manufacturer of hydraulically operated arbors, chucks, gages and fixtures.
KC Jones Plating Company (Warren) – Producer of engineered metal finishing solutions for the automotive industry. 
Lorin Industries (Muskegon) – Provider of aluminum finishing & coil anodizing solutions.
Magnetic Products Inc. (Highland) – Worldwide provider of both magnetic and non-magnetic material handling solutions. 
Michigan Spring and Stamping (Muskegon) – Manufacturer of a diverse range of engineered metal components in industries such as automotive, appliance, building technologies, electrical, industrial , lawn and garden, medical and recreational products. 
Orion Test Systems, Inc. (Auburn Hills) – Global supplier of testing solutions specializing in electronic, mechanical, mechatronic, and hydraulic testing for automotive, aerospace, medical, and military components.
RnD Engineering Inc. (Livonia) - Machine builder that specializes in custom build machines for super-finishing, polishing, micro-finishing and face finishing of parts.
Trans-Matic (Holland) - Manufacturer of precision deep drawn components and assemblies for the automotive, builders’ hardware, appliance, plumbing, power tool, HVAC, and other markets.

Mexico’s expanding and highly diversified economy provides strong opportunity for Michigan companies:
- Mexico is Michigan’s second largest trading partner, after Canada.
- In 2015, Michigan exported more than $11.1 billion in goods to Mexico, up from $10.8 billion in 2014.
- Top Michigan exports to Mexico include transportation equipment, machinery (except electrical), computer and electronic products and chemicals.
- The North American Free Trade Agreement has removed most tariffs for exporting to Mexico, increasing demand for U.S. goods and services. 

Clients of MEDC’s International Trade Program reported more than $45 million in facilitated export sales to Mexico in FY15. In the first quarter of FY16, clients have reported $30.3 million in export sales to Mexico, accounting for about 23 percent of total program export sales year-to-date. Last year, the program facilitated $342.1 million in facilitated export sales to 126 countries.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.