May 18, 2006

Michigan Delegation Continuing to South Korea, China

LANSING – After meetings yesterday and today with executives at major Japanese companies, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced commitments for an additional 249 jobs and $51 million in investment from eight companies.  Granholm said that JTEKT, Takao Metals, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America and Mitsui Chemical are among the companies that will relocate and/or expand in Michigan.

The announcements came during Granholm’s three-day investment mission in Japan with Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito.

“We are in Japan to build stronger relationships with business leaders and bring jobs home to Michigan,” Granholm said. “These expansions are the result of building successful partnerships over the last few years and mean new jobs that will enhance Michigan’s competitiveness in the global 21st century economy.” 

Some of the expansions announced today include:

•JTEKT, a partnership formed earlier this year between Toyoda Machinery and Koyo Seiko, has announced the company will expand operations in Plymouth.  The company manufactures auto parts including steering systems, bearings and drivelines. 

•Takao Metals, which currently has an engineering facility in Wixom, has recently begun construction on a new facility in Canton to expand engineering and light assembly operations. The parent company of Takao America, and one of the core automobile parts manufacturers for Honda, will invest $10 million.

•Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, which currently has an office in Sterling Heights, will locate a new facility in Wixom this summer.  The company produces heavy equipment, including engines and power systems.

•Mitsui Chemical, one of the world’s largest producers of chemical products, has announced the company will consolidate production at its Adrian facility this summer.  The consolidation will generate approximately $6 million in investment and move jobs from the company’s Indiana plant.

The Governor met with representatives from Toyota, DENSO, Tokai Rika and Aisin on Wednesday to thank them for their continued commitment to Michigan.  All of the companies have expanded and created new jobs in Michigan over the past year.  The Governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to each and our on-going interest in future expansions. 
 
In 2004 and 2005, Granholm led investment missions to Germany and Japan, respectively.  Following her 2005 mission to Japan, a total of 10 companies stated their intentions to expand in Michigan for a total investment of $116 million and 630 new jobs.  Granholm’s 2004 investment mission to Germany resulted in eight companies investing approximately $30 million and creating more than 150 new Michigan jobs over the next several years, including Behr Industries, Eberspacher, and Bosch.