LANSING, MI - On November 25, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicks off a three-day investment mission in Spain, joining members of Team Michigan to bring the state’s economic development strategy overseas to share why foreign businesses should continue to “Make It” in Michigan. 

Michigan and Spain have deep and mutually beneficial economic ties, with Michigan as Spain’s fifth-largest trading partner of U.S. states. In the last ten years, companies from Spain invested in eight foreign direct investment projects resulting in 926 jobs created and $283.98 million in capital investment. Spain is also Michigan’s 11th-largest export market, and in 2023, Michigan exported more than $770 million worth of goods to the country.

“This investment mission to Spain is an opportunity to expand Michigan’s global footprint and attract new economic opportunities to our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Engaging directly with international business and policy leaders allows us to showcase Michigan’s strengths and competitive advantages, helping to foster new investments that create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Building these connections with the global business community is essential to sustaining growth and ensuring economic prosperity for all.”

While in Spain, the governor, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., and additional members of Team Michigan will meet with public and private sector leaders to expand partnerships and secure investments, creating good-paying jobs and bringing critical supply chains home to Michigan.

The delegation is expected to meet with Gestamp to further build relationships with the multinational company who recently announced their Michigan expansions in Mason, Lapeer, and Chelsea. The company’s footprint in Michigan includes areas represented by state Senators Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), and state Representatives Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson), Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Phil Green (R-Millington), and Sharon MacDonnell (D-Troy).

The Michigan delegation will be joined by the Trade Commissioner of Spain in Chicago, Maria Jesus Fernandez, while in Madrid.  

“Connecting directly with business and government leaders in Spain is another valuable opportunity to showcase Michigan as a prime destination for global investment," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “As one of the nation’s most international states, Team Michigan will continue to present our 'Make It in Michigan' strategy, focused on investing in People, revitalizing Places, and winning Projects to global neighbors. From companies like Gestamp to Grupo Antolin, Michigan enjoys Spanish business relationships that are creating jobs and opportunities in Michigan and this mission enables us to deepen those relationships and build the foundation for additional partnerships that will benefit Michiganders.”

Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s Efforts to Secure International Investment 

This investment mission continues Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist II’s work to secure jobs and investments from overseas. Earlier this year, the lieutenant governor led an investment mission to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, further highlighting Michigan’s prowess in the aerospace and defense sector while attending the Farnborough Air Show and meeting with various industry and political leaders. 

In the spring, the governor led an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan, opening Michigan’s first Taiwan office and announcing investment projects across the state. In 2023, the governor led an economic investment mission to Japan, securing a $63 million investment from DENSO, as well as Paris and Germany where she announced that provider Expleo USA Inc. would establish its first North American research and development facility in Michigan. Additionally, the governor’s first investment mission to Norway and Switzerland in early 2023 focused on advanced manufacturing and clean energy independence ecosystem.  

The economic development mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves to help promote and fund economic development efforts in Michigan that create private investments and increase jobs and wages.