Ten Michigan companies to join MEDC at International Paris Air Show in Paris, France, June 17-20, 2019

International Paris Air Show, the largest and longest-running aerospace trade show in the world, taking place in June ● Along with ten Michigan companies, MEDC's Pure Michigan Business Connect program to participate, generate leads

LANSING, Mich. – Business leaders from ten Michigan companies will join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at the International Paris Air Show, taking place June 17 through June 20 in Paris, France. Participants will meet with prospective partners, distributors and customers to increase export opportunities in the global aerospace industry.

Automation Alley is coordinating the trade mission in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program in a combined effort to promote bilateral trade. Since its inception in 2012, the International Trade Program has worked with Michigan companies to support more than $2.8 billion in export sales and 13,287 jobs across the state.

“Aerospace is more important to our state and nation than ever before. Michigan has placed a special emphasis on this sector, helping both Michigan suppliers and engineers within the state to diversify into the industry,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Mason. “The International Paris Air Show will open doors for these companies by connecting them with aerospace commodity buyers from around the globe, ultimately growing their businesses and bringing more and better jobs to Michigan residents.”

The International Paris Air Show, which is held in odd years and began more than 100 years ago, is the largest and longest-running aerospace trade show in the world. The 53^rd show will take place at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions June 17-20 and will bring together players from the global aerospace industry.

In addition to co-exhibiting in the U.S. Pavilion, participants can engage in pre-arranged vetted business-to-business meetings during the show. Also available is private meeting space as part of Michigan’s exhibition, several networking events, travel arrangements and other in-country support.

MEDC's Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) program will once again participate at Paris Air Show to generate new leads for Michigan companies. The show has been a driving force for the program's success in the aerospace industry. Through PMBC's matchmaking service, the program has facilitated over $29 million in revenue from purchase orders and 639 aerospace-related contracts and purchase orders. Since 2011, PMBC has supported 29 aerospace matchmaking initiatives and will continue to leverage future activities to help Michigan continue to grow as a top state for aerospace manufacturing. 

Representatives from Oakland County and Macomb County will also join the Michigan delegation at Paris Air Show.

The companies participating in the Paris Air Show are:

• Acromag (Wixom) – Leading supplier in embedded computing and I/O solutions, as well as the process monitoring and control field.
• Aircraft Precision Products, Inc. (Ithaca) – Component supplier to commercial and military aircraft engine industries, serving customers with ultimate precision machining, thermal coating and other phases of the metalworking industry.
• AlphaUSA (Livonia) – Manufacturer of products including fastener assemblies, clamps, bolts and stamping that are used in production of medical equipment, roadway bridges, solar energy and more.
• Ascent Aerospace (Macomb Twp.) – Combines assembly line integration and factory automation with heritage tooling businesses to provide turnkey solutions.
• Avon Aerospace (Shelby Twp.) – Manufacturer of large complex precision components. Engineers products that maximize long-term reliability, durability and overall cost-effectiveness.
• Detroit Engineered Products (Troy) – Provider of numerous products and services such as its “MeshWorks” software for design optimization, morphing and computer-aided engineering meshing, as well as engineering services and innovative engine ion sensors to transportation and other industries.
• Hydra-Lock (Mt. Clemens) – Manufacturer of hydraulically operated arbors, chucks, gages and fixtures.
• Tecomet (Lansing) – Provider of manufacturing solutions for complex, high-precision products and services for aerospace and defense.
• United Precision Products (Dearborn Heights) – Manufacturer of fasteners and related hardware for the aerospace industry with machining capabilities ranging from traditional equipment like Brown & Sharp Screw Machines to 7-Axis CNC Swiss Lathes with live tooling, offering diverse capabilities.
• Wineman Technology (Saginaw) – Develops software and hardware components to create test systems for projects in the aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, energy, consumer electronics and industrial industries.

Bill Andre, vice president of Mt. Clemens-based Hydra-Lock, said his company has participated in four previous MEDC-led trade missions and has seen increased export sales as a result of each mission.

“MEDC navigates the challenges a company has in procuring partners in another country, and not only customers but also sales representatives. With MEDC’s assistance, Hydra-Lock was finally able to find a sales rep. in Mexico and since then have seen our sales to that country increase by 30 percent,” Andre said. “With MEDC’s matchmaking support, companies are able to find great partners that have a long-term effect on the bottom line.”

Michigan ranks in the top 10 for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness based on tax climate, operating costs, education and industry representation. More than 600 companies in Michigan are contributing to the aerospace and/or defense industries. Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, Arconic, Hutchinson, Parker-Hannifin and Eaton Corporation call the state home, and nine of the 10 largest aerospace/defense R&D firms have a presence in Michigan.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a nonprofit manufacturing and technology business association and Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. We connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. We offer programs, resources and knowledge to help our members grow and prosper in the digital age. Visit us at automationalley.com. 

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.