Lt. Gov. Brian Calley completes U.K., Ireland investment mission, touts Michigan business opportunities

Efforts aimed at creating more and better jobs in Michigan

Sept. 30, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is wrapping up a week-long trade mission in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he highlighted the strong opportunities available for companies in those countries to invest and partner in our state.   

“Our continued commitment to the future of the automotive and aerospace industries has transformed our state economically, which has led to key advances in the information technology and cybersecurity spaces,” Calley said.  “Michigan remains the automotive capital of the world, and the advances of smart vehicle technologies bring great opportunity for future generations.”

While in the U.K., the Lieutenant Governor participated in the Michigan Business Forum, addressing executives from advanced manufacturing and technology companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors, he shared the advantages of locating and doing business in Michigan.

Calley participated in an aerospace roundtable hosted by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance including executives from Michigan and U.K. aerospace companies to facilitate business-to-business connections between the companies.

He also met with executives of businesses that have operations in Michigan including:

• Prudential PLC- parent company to Lansing-based Jackson National Life;
• Cosworth Group- a world leader in automotive engineering, manufacturing and powertrain products who recently announced plans to establish its U.S. presence in in Shelby Township;
• Glen Dimplex who has a subsidiary in Kalamazoo providing custom and standard chilling solutions used in manufacturing, medical, food processing and other markets.

The Lieutenant Governor made the case for doing business in Michigan to executives from the London Chamber of Commerce and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, Ireland’s largest industry group.

Calley also met with government leaders in the U.K. and Ireland, including U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley and council members from the city of Birmingham to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations with Michigan.

“I was proud to tell U.K. automotive and aerospace industries that Michigan is the best place for them to grow their businesses thanks to our favorable business climate and outstanding talent,” Calley said. “Michigan is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. with huge potential for innovative companies eager to succeed. I look forward to welcoming more exciting companies to our state so they can see for themselves the advantages of doing business there.”

Nine Michigan companies accompanied Calley on the trip to promote their products and services in the U.K. and Irish markets. This was Calley’s sixth trade mission since taking office in 2011. He previously led missions to India, Chile/Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and the Netherlands.  

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