Lt. Gov. Brian Calley leading trade mission to the United Kingdom, Ireland focused on strengthening relationships, boosting investments

Friday, Sept. 23, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will lead a delegation of state and business leaders on a trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland, leaving Saturday. This will be the Snyder administration’s first trip to the two countries, with a focus on strengthening trade relationships and attracting job creating investments, primarily with aerospace and automotive companies.

“We have a great opportunity during our first visit to these two countries to tell the Michigan story and help create trade and business prospects for Michigan companies,” Calley said. “We will proudly deliver the message that Michigan is the best place to invest in company growth and create jobs due to our business climate and outstanding talent.”

Calley will depart for the U.K. on Saturday, Sept. 24, where he will meet with British government officials and company leaders before traveling to Ireland and returning to Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Auto Sector Senior Vice President Kevin Kerrigan and other MEDC officials also are joining the trip, as well as representatives from local economic development agencies and companies including Oakland County, Comerica Bank, Consumers Energy, and Clayton & McKervey P.C.

In addition, leaders from nine Michigan companies seeking to sell their products and services in the U.K. and Irish markets will join Calley on the trip. The companies will be participating in meetings with prospective customers, distributors and strategic partners. The group will receive customized market research, market entry strategy and business service support.

“Our growing presence in the aerospace sector, and our innovative technologies in manufacturing, IT and electronics, alternative energy, and business support services, have global appeal and we welcome the opportunity to explore smart trade partnerships,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “Diverse industries and ease of entry into other countries provide an excellent opportunity for Michigan companies to increase their exports.”

The companies participating in the mission are:

• FlowerHouse, Clio – Manufacturer of innovative greenhouses, plant covers and other gardening and landscaping equipment 
• Dell Marketing Systems, Rochester Hills – Provider of marking devices and marking inks to the automotive industry
• Panagon Systems, Macomb – Manufacturer of aftermarket hydraulic piston pumps and parts
• Clear Image Devices, Ann Arbor – Manufacturer of advanced medical imaging equipment
• Logos Logistics, Taylor – Provider of integrated supply chain solutions
• Tranor Industries, Detroit – Supplier of body stamping dies
• Fluxtrol, Auburn Hills – Developer and manufacturer of magnetic flux controllers using proprietary soft magnetic composites
• Menawat & Co., Saline – Provider of business analytics to manufacturing and services organizations
• IBS Global Consulting, Inc., Troy – Business development and marketing consulting firm specializing in helping small and medium-sized enterprises expand into international markets

In addition to the company leaders, representatives from the Northern Michigan Unmanned Aerial Consortium will join the trade mission.

This is Calley’s sixth mission since taking office in 2011. He previously led missions to India, Chile/Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and the Netherlands.  

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