Economic Mission to Europe to Showcases Michigan as a Global Leader in Defense and Aerospace Innovation

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II kicks off a five-day investment mission in Europe, with a focus on capitalizing on Michigan’s leadership in the defense and aerospace sector. As part of this mission, Michigan is announcing that it is officially joining the Aerospace States Association (ASA), a nonpartisan organization made up of lieutenant governors, governor-appointed delegates, state legislators, and territorial and tribal representatives.  

“I’m excited to bring Michigan’s unique story abroad on a trade mission that will help us build relationships and lead on defense and aerospace on a global scale,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We established the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation as part of our strong commitment to growing Michigan’s aerospace and defense industries. Today, we are joining the Aerospace States Association to build this momentum and show the world that Michigan is the best place to grow your business, pursue your innovative ideas, and build the future. Governor Whitmer and I will continue working with anyone to grow our economy, bring supply chains home, and help more businesses and innovators ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

The lieutenant governor, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and members of Team Michigan will have a strong presence at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom alongside companies and innovators from around the globe. After the air show concludes, members of the delegation will conduct further business meetings in the Netherlands and Germany. 

 

Michigan’s Aerospace and Defense Leadership 

The Lt. Governor’s investment mission to Europe underscores the efforts of the state to build on its robust legacy of defense and aerospace innovation. The sector contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 businesses serving the defense, aerospace, and homeland security industries. Along with these businesses, the Michigan National Guard boasts five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the country at Selfridge in Macomb County.  

Michigan is kickstarting its trip by announcing that it’s officially joining the Aerospace States Association (ASA), a nonpartisan organization made up of lieutenant governors, governor-appointed delegates, state legislators, and territorial and tribal representatives. Through this new membership, Michigan has the opportunity to influence major federal policy, innovation infrastructures, and future generations of aviation leaders. As a member of the ASA, Michigan is reinforcing the importance of aerospace and defense for the state’s economic future, signaling its intent to remain the Arsenal of Innovation for generations to come.  

In April 2024, Michigan announced its new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), headed by Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), to further grow the state’s defense and aerospace industry. ODAI builds on the state’s existing Michigan Defense Center and works to increase awareness of Michigan’s capabilities, support the attraction and expansion of businesses that champion Department of Defense-related activities, and enhance commercial and defense-related aerospace segments poised for growth in the state. 

 

Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s Efforts to Secure Jobs and Investment 

This investment mission continues Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist II’s work securing jobs and investments from overseas. Earlier this year, the governor led an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan, opening Michigan’s first Taiwan office and announcing investment projects from Tung Thih Electronics, TYC Americas, and Sumeeko. In September 2023, the governor led her first economic investment mission to Japan and secured a $63 million investment from DENSO for its Battle Creek thermal manufacturing facility. 

Last summer, Governor Whitmer led an investment mission to Paris and Germany and announced engineering services provider Expleo USA Inc. would be establishing its first North American research and development facility in Michigan. During this trip and her mission to Norway in the fall, the governor also made significant connections and secured investments with international companies including Plastic Omnium, Valeo, Brose, Forvia, Triumph, and Norsk Hydro.   

 

Members of Michigan’s Delegation 

Joining the lieutenant governor will be MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Office of Future Mobility and Electrification Chief Mobility Justine Johnson, Chief Innovation Officer Ben Marchionna, ODAI Executive Director Col. John Gutierrez, and other MEDC officials; State Representative Donovan McKinney, who co-chairs the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus; and local partners including Detroit Regional Partnership President & CEO Maureen Krauss; Dr. Venkat Viswanathan from the University of Michigan; Traverse Connect President & CEO Warren Call; and president and founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan Tony Vernaci.  

“I am honored to join Lt. Governor Gilchrist and Team Michigan’s delegation in Europe to deepen our relationships that will create new opportunities and prosperity for our friends and neighbors,” Messer said. “This trip aligns with our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy of attracting projects and presenting the Michigan story across the globe through our leadership in the mobility innovation, defense and aerospace industries, among others. As we have proven in prior missions to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and now for the third time in Europe, Team Michigan will travel anywhere to let companies and entrepreneurs know that they too can ‘Make It in Michigan.’” 

“The Detroit Region and Michigan continue to win investment from international companies because we are a premier innovation hub and entry point into the North American market,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “Our world-class talent, including engineering to skilled manufacturing, top-notch research universities, and robust business climate offer everything needed to succeed in high-tech industries like aerospace and defense. The Detroit Regional Partnership is proud to join the Michigan delegation in pitching everything our state has to offer to the world as we work to bring jobs and investment back home.”  

“I am honored to join Team Michigan’s delegation at the Farnborough International Airshow. As we enter the second century of aeronautics, the rise of electric aviation marks a pivotal moment, with Michigan emerging as one of the global leaders. We eagerly anticipate forging collaborations to drive a sustainable future for aviation,” said Venkat Viswanathan, associate professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. 

“It is a privilege to support Lt. Governor Gilchrist II and the State of Michigan team at the Farnborough Air Show,” said Tony Vernaci, president and founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan. “The industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and Michigan’s aerospace supply base with over 900 companies is meeting the demand. This will be an opportunity to share this news in an international market and encourage other companies to source their needs from Michigan.” 

“Traverse Connect is a proud member of the Team Michigan delegation joining Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist in England,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “This investment mission will spotlight the innovative advanced manufacturing and software companies from the Grand Traverse region offering specialized products and services to the aerospace and defense markets.”  

The economic development mission is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent not-for-profit organization that serves to help promote and fund economic development efforts in Michigan that create private investments and increase jobs and wages.  

 

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.