LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today continued her investment mission in Japan, meeting with representatives of leading automotive manufacturers and wind energy suppliers to develop new partnerships and encourage Japanese companies to invest and grow in Michigan.  The second day's schedule included meetings with executives of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Automotive Energy Supply Co., Yorozu Corporation, Denso, Tokai Rika, and Aisin.

"As the global center of automotive research and development and home to a growing alternative energy industry, Michigan is a perfect match for high-tech Japanese businesses," Granholm said.  "There are also opportunities for Michigan and Japan to share our automotive and alternative energy expertise to create new businesses, grow new jobs, and end the world's dependence on foreign oil."

During the three-day mission, the governor is traveling to three cities to meet with 22 companies that have locations or are considering investments in Michigan, or those primed for new investment.  Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President and CEO James C. Epolito is accompanying Granholm on the mission.

Meeting with officials of Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI) Power Systems, Granholm and Epolito discussed MHI's current search for a site to manufacture wind turbines in the Midwest.  More than three-quarters of the company's current wind turbine sales are in the United States, so they hope to establish a manufacturing presence close to their customer base.

The governor and her team also met with executives of Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) to urge that they consider Michigan for a sales office and future manufacturing facility.   The company is a joint venture between Nissan and NEC established last year to produce lithium ion secondary battery systems for automotive use.

At a luncheon hosted by auto parts supplier Yorozu Corporation, the governor expressed appreciation for Yorozu Automobile North America's investment in Battle Creek and its sales offices in Farmington Hills.  Yorozu is actively considering location of a stamping operation in Michigan, with a decision expected in 2009.  

The governor, joined by Epolito and members of the MEDC team, hosted a dinner in honor of three companies with major operations in Michigan: Denso (Battle Creek, Southfield), Tokai Rika (Jackson) and Aisin, which last month announced a proposed $8.6 million expansion of its Plymouth Township technical center, creating up to 300 jobs, assisted by a state tax credit of $1.3 million over seven years.  The Aisin Group, the world's sixth-largest automotive supplier, in 2005 located an 800-acre automotive proving ground and testing center in Fowlerville, one of the projects announced by Granholm after her investment mission to Japan in 2005.

 "The governor is making a strong case for Michigan," Epolito said.  "These face-to-face meetings offer an excellent opportunity to show that Michigan is the best place in North America for global companies to expand and grow new jobs."

Tomorrow, Granholm and Epolito will meet in Nagoya with executives from Japanese companies looking to invest and grow in the U.S., including Toyota Motor and auto suppliers Toyota Tsusho and Toyota Boshuku, Terumo Medical Corporation, and Howa Textile.

Granholm's six previous investment missions to Germany, Austria, Sweden and Japan have resulted in 37 companies announcing more than $826 million in new investment, creating or retaining more than 9,000 jobs. 

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