The governor plans to meet companies in Michigan growing industries, including mobility, defense, clean energy, health care and medtech and cybersecurity
Lansing, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is launching a week -long investment mission in Australia to strengthen trade links with Australian companies and create opportunities in the growth industries of Michigan, Mobility and Defense with Clean Energy.
Michigan has a long -standing relationship with Australia, especially in the automotive and mobility sectors. In May 2023, the Australian Governor and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Authorities signed a updated memorandum of understanding between Michigan and AustraliaReaffirming our commitment to collaboration in the automotive industry, future mobility and the transport sector.
The mission will support the objectives described in the memorandum of understanding thanks to company meetings, round tables and a sharing of knowledge.
“This investment mission will be based on the long -standing heritage of Michigan with Australia and will strengthen our links while we rely on our future in the industries of mobility, defense, clean energy and cybersecurity,” said Governor Whitmer. “I can’t wait to share this experience with our Michigan delegation and get involved with global partners in Australia to share how they can also” do “in Michigan. I will continue to work with anyone and to travel anywhere to improve Michigan leadership in our main strategic industries and bring back opportunities home to Michigande. ”
“While more and more foreign countries are looking for relationships at the infrant and individual level, as one of the most international states in America, Michigan is only before Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “With our heritage of innovation, advanced world-class manufacturing assets and strategic access to North American markets, Michigan is an ideal entry for Australian companies that seek to develop more widely in North America. Michiganders through the two peninsulas. »»
“With a defense heritage dating back to the Second World War, when Detroit was known as” the arsenal of democracy “, Michigan offers Australian companies a powerful gateway to the American defense market,” said Major-General of the American army Paul D. Rogers, general adjutant and director of the department of military and veterans in Michigan. “Today, its advanced industrial basis, its highly qualified talents and its Michigan innovation spirit as an ideal partner for strategic investment and co -development – where trusted allies can stimulate technological progress and mutual growth in a rapidly evolving global safety landscape.”
During the investment mission, the Governor and Michigan delegation will meet several companies in Australia, including two with a strong presence of Michigan: Stryker And Penske Corporation. Stryker, a global medical technology company from Kalamazoo, has the headquarters in Sydney, Australia. Penske Corporation, a transport service company based in the canton of Bloomfield, has locations across Australia. The company will host the delegation for a visit to a Pen -Penske frigate ship to Garden Island Naval Base.
In addition, the governor will meet the leaders of the Australian government in New South Wales and Victoria to deepen the diplomatic ties between Michigan and Australia and identify the possibilities of cultural and economic exchanges. The delegation will host several round business tables in the country, notably with the American Chamber of Commerce, Global Victoria Women and with members of the mobility and defense industry.
Members of the Michigan delegation
In Australia, the Governor is joined by a delegation from Michigan, in particular: representatives of Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MedC) – CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief of Mobility Justine Johnson; The major American army Paul D. Rogers, Warrant Officer General and Director of the Department of Military and Veterans in Michigan; Brad Wieferich, director and Michele Mueller, main project manager, of Michigan Department of Transportation; Karen A. Thole, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan; John Papapolymerou, interim dean of the College of Engineering of Michigan State University; And Sarah Gonzales, Director of Affairs of States and Local Governments at Delta Air Lines.
“Michigan has long been the world epicenter of automotive innovation, and today we are leading the transformation of mobility to a more connected, sustainable and fair mobility,” said The director of chief mobility Justine Johnson. “I am delighted to join this delegation in Australia while we present the in-depth expertise of Michigan, the collaborative ecosystem and public-private partnerships which continue to shape the next generation of mobility. Australia has a powerful opportunity to connect and promote investment that leads to progress in our two regions. ”
“I am happy to represent Michigan Department of Transportation while we take this opportunity to collaborate with Australia, a leader known in technology and innovation”, ” The Director of Transports of the State Bradley C. WIEFERICH. “The invitation of Governor Whitmer to participate in this commercial delegation allows us to further strengthen relations with companies leading to the burden of infrastructure technology, safety and innovation improvements.”
“The emphasis on MDOT on the supply of a safe and reliable transport system is also supported by the progress made by our peers in Australia,” said Michele Mueller, director of MDOT’s Connected, Automated and Electrification Unit. “The use and construction of technological progress that we have seen here will help us build safer and more connected roads on our return home.”
“Michigan Engineering has long been a prosperous global community of students, researchers and alumni,” said Karen A. Thole, The Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. “I am delighted to join this delegation to explore how we deepen our Australian links with partners in the pursuit of innovative education, advanced research and the development of labor for Michigan and beyond.”
“As a delegation, we are committed to presenting the many advantages of the partnership with Michigan,” said John Papapolymerou, interim dean of Michigan State University College of Engineering. “The solid talent pipeline of our state, the long history of innovation and the strong collaboration between the academic world and the industry serve as a solid basic for organizations and entrepreneurs around the world who seek to extend their businesses. Spartan engineering is enthusiastic about this opportunity and is impatiently awaiting sustainable partnerships. ”
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state marketing branch and the main defender of commercial development, employment awareness and community development by emphasizing the growth of the economy of Michigan. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.michiganbusiness.org. For information on Pure Michigan® tourism, your trip begins to www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LiendinAnd Twitter.