Team Michigan Delegation Concludes Investment Mission to Europe, Strengthening Ties with Global Businesses and Leaders

The mission, which focused on attracting job-creating investments and fostering economic and diplomatic partnerships, highlights the state’s efforts to strengthen its competitive standing while bolstering its reputation around the globe.

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and delegates from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD), and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have successfully concluded an investment mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland, reinforcing Michigan’s position as a global leader in key industries including agribusiness, defense and aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The mission, which focused on attracting job-creating investments and fostering economic and diplomatic partnerships, builds upon Michigan’s ongoing engagement with European partners and highlights the state’s efforts to strengthen its competitive standing while bolstering its reputation around the globe. 

“Michigan is ready to build on our rich legacy of innovation and manufacturing excellence and grow our leadership in agriculture, defense, and aerospace,” said Governor Whitmer. “I was proud to travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland to strengthen our relationships with business and government leaders, tell our story, and make the case for Michigan as the best place to innovate, build the future, and grow. We are opening doors for new investments, competing for projects and good-paying jobs, and securing Michigan’s place at the forefront of innovation.” 

Governor Whitmer was joined by MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., MDARD Director Dr. Tim Boring, and DNR Director Scott Bowen on the investment mission, meeting with business executives, government officials, and industry leaders and organizations to discuss opportunities for collaboration and expansion.  

“Global partnerships are essential to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy and our state’s continued success and prosperity, and this mission reaffirmed the strong connections we share with the UK and Ireland,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the MSF Board. “Whether in tourism, agribusiness or advanced manufacturing, by engaging directly with business and government leaders, Team Michigan is demonstrating our commitment to companies currently with Michigan presences and encouraging new ones to establish presences, while showcasing our world-class workforce, infrastructure, innovation ecosystem and location advantage.” 

“This trip was an opportunity to promote Michigan not just as a perfect place to do business, but a great place to live and play as well,” said Scott Bowen, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Michigan is a prime destination for tourism and offers world class natural resource opportunities for people who want to start a business and make a home here. I’m proud to have had a chance to promote Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities, and to learn from our international partners about natural resource management in their countries.” 

"This was a great opportunity to promote Michigan agriculture with important trade partners across the pond, and I'm excited to continue our conversations," said Tim Boring, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Maintaining international partnerships not only supports fair trade opportunities -- these relationships can lead to new jobs and economic development. Glanbia Nutritional's St. Johns plant is the perfect example of that. Four years ago the company opened one of the most technically advanced dairy processing facilities in the entire country through a joint venture with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. and Select Milk Producers Inc., and I appreciated reiterating the importance of our dairy industry during our meeting this week. I'm also walking away feeling excited about some of the regenerative agriculture success in this region as we continue to make climate-smart practices a priority for the future of ag in Michigan." 

Michigan’s deep ties to the defense and aerospace industries were a key focus of the trip, as the state continues to attract cutting-edge companies and develop international reputation in the sector. During the investment mission, the Team Michigan delegation met with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, an organization comprised of over 300 aerospace industry members based in the Midlands region of the UK. This visit builds on previous engagements with European defense and aerospace partners, including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II’s visit to the Farnborough Air Show last year.   

As Michigan continues to lead in economic development and innovation, the relationships strengthened during this mission will play a crucial role in attracting new business, fostering technological advancements, and ensuring sustained economic growth for the state. 

The investment mission was supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan. 

  

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.