Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to South Korea, Competing for New Opportunities for Michigan Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to South Korea, Competing for New Opportunities for Michigan Businesses

Mission will strengthen relationships in shipbuilding, semiconductors, robotics, drones and future mobility while building on Michigan’s longstanding engagement across the region

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off an investment mission to South Korea, where the governor and Team Michigan delegation will meet with business, government, and industry leaders to attract new investment, create opportunities for Michigan companies and workers, and strengthen the state’s relationships in two of the world’s leading advanced manufacturing and technology markets.

“Michigan is open for business, and we’re going anywhere and working with anyone to bring more jobs, investment and opportunity back home,” said Governor Whitmer. “South Korea is a global leader in industries that are critical to Michigan’s future, from semiconductors and robotics to mobility and shipbuilding. By showing up, strengthening relationships, and making the case for Michigan, we can open new doors for our businesses, bring critical supply chains home, and create good-paying jobs in communities across our state. Michigan has the workers, the manufacturing know-how, and the innovative spirit to compete with anyone, and we’re ready to get to work.” 

Throughout the mission, Governor Whitmer and the delegation will showcase Michigan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and innovation while pursuing opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing, semiconductors, robotics, drones and future mobility. The mission builds on years of engagement by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in the region, including the governor’s 2024 investment mission to South Korea. 

“Michigan cannot compete globally from the sidelines,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “Being in-market gives Team Michigan the opportunity to take our case directly to decision-makers, better understand where companies are headed as they consider the North American market, and ensure Michigan businesses are connected around the world. Our engagements in South Korea will keep Michigan front of mind for future investment. Michigan is an international state and these missions create new pathways for our companies and communities to succeed in the global economy.” 

“Michigan’s defense and manufacturing strengths position our state to compete for the technologies and industrial partnerships that will shape the future of national security,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “From advanced manufacturing and robotics to uncrewed systems and other dual-use technologies, we are focused on turning innovation into capability. Last month, Governor Whitmer joined the Secretary of the Army at Camp Grayling to announce its designation as a premier test range for the U.S. Army, reinforcing Michigan’s role in advancing defense testing and training. Through the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, military, industry and research partners can develop, test and refine emerging technologies. Strengthening our relationships with South Korea creates new opportunities to connect Michigan businesses and our workforce with global defense technology and industrial supply chains, while strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base.” 

Advancing Michigan-Korea Investment Ties 

South Korea is one of Michigan’s largest import and export markets, ranking number 3 and 8, respectively. Since January 2019, Korean-based companies have undertaken 14 investment projects in Michigan, representing $6.01 billion in total capital investment and creating 5,379 direct jobs. Recent projects include investments from Brils, Hansae Mobility, HL Mechatronics, and LG Energy Solution. 

The delegation will begin the investment mission in South Korea, where Governor Whitmer and Team Michigan will meet with leading companies and government officials to deepen Michigan-Korea economic ties and position Michigan to capture a share of South Korea’s $350 billion commitment to invest in the United States. 

The delegation will focus on opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing, robotics, advanced manufacturing and future mobility—industries where Michigan’s engineering talent, manufacturing infrastructure and extensive supply chain create significant opportunities for Korean companies looking to establish or expand U.S. operations. 

In March 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer led an investment mission to South Korea to strengthen economic ties and attract investment in mobility, semiconductors, batteries, and advanced manufacturing. During the visit, she attended InterBattery, one of the world's largest battery industry exhibitions, and held meetings with major companies including Samsung SDI, Lotte Energy Materials, Hyundai Motor Company, and Hyundai Mobis. 

On June 7, 2024, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) to strengthen collaboration between Michigan and South Korea's small business and startup ecosystems and to promote economic growth. 

Investment Missions Deliver Opportunities for Michigan 

Michigan’s international investment missions are an important part of the state’s work to compete for foreign direct investment, support Michigan companies pursuing growth in international markets, and strengthen relationships with companies already employing workers across the state. In-person engagements give Team Michigan an opportunity to make the state’s case directly to decision-makers, understand companies’ future investment plans and identify opportunities to connect Michigan businesses and communities with global projects. 

These relationships can translate into new facilities and expansions, opportunities for Michigan suppliers and exporters, stronger international supply chains and good-paying jobs in communities across the state. 

Members of the Team Michigan Delegation 

Joining Governor Whitmer on the investment mission are MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr.; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Executive Director Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.); Marc Corriveau, Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer, Henry Ford Health System; David Coulter, County Executive for Oakland County; and Charles Marshall, President, ITC Michigan.  

“Michigan’s advanced manufacturing capabilities make our state a natural partner for companies developing technologies that will shape the future of national and economic security,” said Col. Gutierrez. “From shipbuilding and robotics to drones and other dual-use technologies, South Korea is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and manufacturing ecosystems. Strengthening these partnerships gives Michigan companies new opportunities to participate in critical supply chains while showcasing the skilled workforce, engineering expertise and industrial capacity. that make Michigan central to reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century.” 

“A thriving, forward-thinking, cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure is critical to attracting businesses and talent from around the world to come to Michigan,” said Marc Corriveau. “Sharing the work we are doing in our great state – including the Future of Health re-development of our academic research hospital campus in Detroit – is an honor." 

“I’m excited to join this State of Michigan led delegation as we work to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities in Korea. Both are global leaders in advanced manufacturing, mobility, semiconductors, and innovation – industries that align closely with Oakland County’s strengths,” said David Coulter. “We’re optimistic these conversations will help us build new partnerships abroad and create opportunities to bring new investments and jobs to our communities here at home.” 

“As the owner and operator of the high-voltage electric transmission grid in the majority of Michigan’s lower peninsula, ITC understands the critical role that reliable infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth and creating opportunities for future investment across our state. In this global economy, our state’s future is intrinsically linked to growth, development, and the attraction of new industries to Michigan. We are honored to be part of the Michigan delegation on the South Korea trade mission and appreciate the opportunity to help bring additional investment to Michigan,” said Charles Marshall.  

This investment mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan.  

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