US State Michigan opens Europe Centre to Promote Trade and Investment
US State Michigan is expanding its international presence with the opening of the Michigan Europe Centre, promoting trade and export development between the state and European markets, Gov. Rick Snyder said
Snyder made the announcement while visiting the 66th Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. “Having a European centre will help Michigan businesses by expanding and strengthening partnerships and business opportunities between our state and Europe,” Snyder said. “This new venture will help promote Michigan made-products while spurring investment to enhance our engagement in the USD 17.6 trillion European market, creating more and better jobs here at home.”
With offices in Berlin and London, the centre will promote and assist export trade development. Teams of in-market specialists will assist Michigan companies with research, market entry strategy, matchmaking, regulatory issues and trade mission meeting programs.
With an office in Europe, Michigan small to medium enterprises will have easier access to customers in the 28 European Union countries.
During his two-day visit to the Frankfort Auto Show, Snyder is meeting with top executives of leading automotive supply chain companies and European OEMs, delivering the message that Michigan is the premier automotive business location in North America.
Coinciding with Snyder’s trip, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is leading business leaders from 10 Michigan companies to Germany and from six companies to England to meet with prospective partners, distributors and buyers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to Europe.
German business relationships with Michigan traditionally have been strong, and state business leaders and economists say the potential growth opportunities for Michigan are
substantial: In 2014, Michigan exported nearly USD 1.9 billion worth of goods and services to Germany, a 12.8 % increase over 2013 (USD 1.7 billion). Germany ranks no. 4 among Michigan’s export markets. Michigan ranked no. eight among U.S. states exporting to Germany in 2014.
Michigan’s top exports to Germany in 2014 were transportation equipment, non-metallic mineral products, machinery (except electrical) and chemicals. Total Michigan exports to the EU in 2014 were USD 5.7 billion, including Germany (USD 1.9 billion), United Kingdom (USD 746 million), Italy (USD 689 million), Belgium (USD 668 million), France (USD 449 million), Netherlands (USD 357 million), Spain (USD 218 million), Poland (USD 141 million) and Sweden (USD 87 million). Michigan’s 2014 exports to the EU (USD 5.7 billion) were more than 10 percent of all Michigan exports (USD 55.9 billion). Michigan’s top exports to the EU in 2014 were transportation equipment, chemicals, non-metallic mineral products and computer and electronic products. More than 350 German companies have invested in Michigan, with 904 separate locations. These include the following companies: BASF, Brose, Continental, Daimler AG, Eberspächer, FEV, Kostal, Mahle, Robert Bosch, Siemens and ZF Friedrichshafen. 76 UK companies have invested in Michigan, with 730 separate locations. These include the following companies: BAE Systems, Bundy Corporation, GKN, GlaxoSmithKline, Ricardo, and TI Automotive.
Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 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.