August 21, 2007

Meets with alternative energy experts, government leaders, industrialists

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm continued her investment mission in Sweden today, meeting with the country's leading alternative energy experts and business and government leaders to develop new partnerships and encourage Swedish companies to invest and grow in Michigan.  The day's schedule included a business roundtable organized by Business Region Gothenburg (BRG), a reception with more than 60 business executives and government officials hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, Flint native Michael Wood, and a private dinner with leading Swedish industrialists.

"As the global center of automotive R&D and home to a growing alternative energy industry, Michigan is a perfect match for high-tech Swedish businesses," Granholm said. "There are also opportunities for Michigan and Sweden to share our automotive and alternative energy expertise to create new businesses, grow new jobs, and end the world's dependence on fossil fuels."

At the BRG roundtable, Granholm and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President and CEO James C. Epolito discussed Sweden's alternative energy programs and how they could impact Michigan's alternative energy strategy.  Among the programs that were discussed are Sweden's system of converting waste into synthetic gas and distributing it through existing natural gas pipelines, a new power plant that converts natural gas to biogas, and the world's first carbon dioxide-free vehicle factory.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk Steudle also attended the roundtable, which also outlined the Michigan and Sweden Vehicle Communications Systems Partnership.  MDOT and MEDC have signed a letter of intent with VINNOVA, the Swedish government agency for innovative systems, and Vägverket, the Swedish National Road Administration, to share vehicle communications-related technology. 

Oakland County Economic Development Deputy Director Maureen Krauss also participated in the roundtable.

Business Region Gothenburg is a nonprofit company that works to strengthen and develop trade and industry in the Gothenburg region.  Gothenburg, located on the west coast of Sweden, is the country's second largest city.   

"Developing these kinds of partnerships is extremely important in today's global economy," Epolito said. "Both Michigan and Sweden are blessed with an amazing amount of talent and expertise, and together we can take the automotive and alternative energy industries to new heights."

Also this week, Granholm and Epolito will meet with executives from Swedish and German companies looking to invest and grow in the U.S., including SECO Tools, Atlas Copco, Chemrec, EDAG Engineering + Design, Ersol Energy, Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen, Behr-Hella Thermocontrol, Brose North America, and ZF Lemforder.

Granholm's previous investment missions to Germany and Japan have resulted in more than $302 million in new investment and more than 2,300 new jobs.