November 17, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder will lead a state delegation on a seven-day investment mission to China this week. The team will promote tourism to Michigan and build upon recent successes in attracting new job-creation business investments during meetings with government officials, business leaders and news media in that country.
“New business investment in Michigan from China has surged since we reopened relations there in 2011,” Snyder said. “China makes a great opportunity for Pure Michigan tourism with its growing middle class in a population four times larger than ours in the U.S. We see broad export opportunities for Michigan in China and will be working to expand on our recent successes in this realm as well.”
While in China, Snyder will host media events in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in addition to numerous company visits and meetings with government officials. He will promote tourism and Michigan business opportunities in each of the cities and meet with auto industry leaders at the Guangzhou International Auto Show. Snyder also will address Detroit’s emergence from bankruptcy with Chinese reporters.
The investment mission, Snyder’s fourth to China, will be led by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) concurrent with MEDC’s trade mission with nine Michigan companies that are looking to increase business opportunities there. For more information click here:
Since Snyder’s first mission to Asia in 2011, Michigan as received more than $1 billion in new business investment from China, Japan and Korea. Recent Chinese investments in Michigan include:
In September 2014, Dicastal North America Inc. an affiliate of CiTiC Dicastal Co. Ltd., the global manufacturing leader of aluminum wheels, announced plans to open a new aluminum alloy wheel manufacturing plant in Greenville to produce 3 million wheels annually. It will create 300 jobs at the facility.
In July 2014, H.A. Automotive Systems invested $28.8 million in a North American headquarters in Troy, Troy, Michigan North American HQ, creating 368 Michigan jobs. H.A. Automotive Systems is a manufacturer of automotive lighting components and a subsidiary of China-based Changhui Group.
Also in July 2014, Yanfeng USA Automotive Trim Systems expanded its Harrison Township manufacturing facility, investing $56.2 million and creating 519 Michigan jobs.
In April 2014, Fuyao North America invested $15.3 million in its Orion Township facility, creating 102 Michigan jobs. Fuyao North America is a subsidiary of China-based Fuyao Glass Industry.
In October 2013, Keikert AG invested $2 million in an expansion of its U.S. headquarters in Wixom, creating 120 jobs. An ultimate subsidiary of Beijing-based China North Industries (NORINCO), Keikert AG produces door latches for Ford and will increase capacity from 350,000 to 1.5 million units per year.
In July 2013, ZYNP Corp., a manufacturer of cylinder liners for internal combustion engines, invested $9.5 million in a new research and development center at its operations in Romulus, creating 51 Michigan jobs. China-based ZYNP Corp. is from Mengzhou city in Henan province.
In addition to Snyder, the state delegation includes:
Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO
Kevin Kerrigan, MEDC senior vice president, Automotive Office
Lindsay Eister, MEDC chief of protocol
Brian Connors, MEDC international business development manager, China
Jeanne Broad, MEDC director, international trade management
Weiwei Lu, MEDC international trade development manager, China
David Lorenz, MEDC travel industry relations and international marketing manager
Emily Palsrok, MEDC managing director, public relations
Birgit Klohs, The Right Place, president and CEO
Maureen Kraus, Detroit Regional Chamber, vice president of economic development
Matt Gibb, Oakland County, deputy county executive
Camille Silda, Macomb County senior economic development specialist
Allison Scott, executive assistant to the governor
Sara Wurfel, press secretary to the governor
The trip marks the Snyder administration’s 11th investment mission since taking office in January 2011. Other missions led by Snyder or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have been to Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Israel and Canada.
Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the MEDC, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.
#####
