LANSING, Mich (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is meeting with business and government leaders in Japan this week. It’s a 7 day investment mission with the goal of securing investments in the mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries.
Governor Whitmer is the first time a Governor from Michigan has made the trip since Rick Snyder’s visit in 2017. She is accompanied by members of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation foundation board, and partners from economic development organizations in Detroit, Battle Creek, and Oakland County.
In the past Japanese business have worked with the state to create over 5 thousand jobs in Michigan through nearly $2 billion of investments. So far, The Governor has announced a $63 million investment in the global mobility supplier DENSO to retool production lines in Battle Creek’s thermal manufacturing facility to assist in the electric vehicle manufacturing process.
“This investment mission has given us the opportunity to connect with leadership at companies like DENSO and tell Michigan’s story.” Governor Whitmer said. “Together, we are bringing critical supply chains and investments back home, proving that anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Thanks to announcements like today’s, Michigan will remain a global leader in the future of mobility and electrification.”
Whitmer made two similar trips earlier this year to Europe, where she was able to secure investments of up to $400 million to go toward manufacturing jobs.
Governor Whitmer and her team will continue to meet with industry leaders to try to gain more investments before returning home next week.
