April 24, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Hannover, Germany – Gov. Rick Snyder today continued his Europe investment mission at Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology trade fair taking place this week. Snyder is leading an eight-day trade delegation focusing on promoting Michigan’s strength in the automotive, mobility, and tourism sectors and attracting job-creating business investments.
“Michigan is leading the country in research and development and we need to know what the rest of the world is doing so we can stay ahead of the curve in technological advancements, including connected and automated vehicles and lightweight materials for vehicles,” Snyder said. “Hannover Messe gives Michigan an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our top-quality research facilities, supply chain and talent as a location for foreign investment.”
Snyder kicked off the fair by meeting with leaders from six Michigan companies who are exhibiting in the Michigan booth at Hannover Messe. The companies had the opportunity to talk with potential buyers and meet with government and business leaders. Automation Alley is spearheading the Hannover Messe mission.
Snyder also visited more than two dozen global automotive companies to promote Michigan’s industrial synergies, including the state’s global automotive and mobility leadership, industrial automation, research and development, IT, and advanced manufacturing heritage. He also met with key U.S. and German industry executives and government officials.
“Michigan has many strong, productive and longstanding relationships with global companies, and we thank them for their continuing contributions to our state,” Snyder said. "With 76 percent of U.S. automotive R&D happening in Michigan, and our strong manufacturing base and business-friendly environment, there is no better place in North America for European companies to expand than in Michigan.”
From Germany, Snyder will travel to the Netherlands, where he joins a delegation of Dutch automotive and technology companies to discuss relationships and strategic collaboration opportunities.
Other missions led by Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley over the past seven years include trips to France, Japan, South Korea, Canada, China, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Columbia, India, Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland. The missions have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of investments in Michigan by foreign companies adding thousands of jobs to Michigan’s workforce.
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