February 21, 2007

Governor's fourth overseas investment mission set for March 10-14

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced she will travel with Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito to Germany next month to meet with company leaders looking to expand in the U.S. and encourage them to make their investment in Michigan.  This will be Granholm's fourth overseas investment mission since 2004 and her second to Germany.

"I will continue to go anywhere and do anything to bring new investment and jobs to Michigan," Granholm said.  "Past investment missions have resulted in companies locating or expanding here, and we are stepping up our efforts to attract new high-tech firms that will create good-paying jobs in automotive R&D, advanced manufacturing, and alternative energy."

DaimlerChrysler is among the companies Granholm will meet with during the mission. She will encourage the automaker to make its planned $3 billion-investment in its powertrain operations in Michigan.  
 
"International investment missions provide an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with decision-makers and sell Michigan as the best place in North America to do business, and nobody does that better than our governor," Epolito said.
 
Granholm's previous investment mission to Germany and two to Japan have resulted in more than $282 million in new investments and more than 1,600 new jobs.  Following her two missions to Japan in 2005 and 2006, a total of 22 companies stated their intention to expand in Michigan, including DENSO, Konica Minolta, Meiden American, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Tokai Rika, for a total investment of $200 million and over 1,000 new jobs.  Her investment mission to Germany in 2004 resulted in several companies investing approximately $82 million and creating more than 670 new Michigan jobs over the next several years, including Behr America, Eberspacher, Bosch Karmann and Mahle.