With a focus on promoting job-creating business growth and attracting investment in Michigan, plus a push for the state as a tourism destination, Gov. Rick Snyder will lead his sixth mission to China.
Snyder will meet with government officials, industry executives and key media in China, departing the state on Thursday, and returning Saturday, Nov. 19.
“We have built strong relationships in China since our first mission in 2011. We are excited to continue telling the Michigan comeback story and making the case that there is no better place in North America for Chinese companies to expand and create jobs than in Michigan,” Snyder said. “As Chinese travelers are now going all over the world and the United States more, this is a great opportunity to tell people about Pure Michigan tourism.”
For part of the mission, Snyder will be joined by a delegation led by Detroit Mayor Mike Dugan, which will be the first trade mission featuring both the governor and a mayor joining together to make a case for investing in Michigan.
“The economic and physical landscape of Detroit is being transformed, with auto suppliers opening new facilities in the city and the real estate market at an all-time high,” Snyder said. “I look forward to working with Mayor Duggan and sharing Detroit’s comeback story.”
Snyder will visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Nanchang, where he will promote Michigan business opportunities, make a series of company visits and connect with senior government leaders. As part of the trip, he will visit Shanghai Auto City and join several events with the University of Michigan. Snyder also plans to meet with business media while in those cities and will hold a Michigan press conference in Beijing to talk about the state’s efforts in mobility, the continuation of Detroit’s comeback and tourism in Michigan.
The investment mission will be led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Concurrent with the governor’s mission, MEDC is leading 11 Michigan companies to China to meet with prospective business partners, distributors and buyers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to China.
Since Snyder’s first mission to Asia in 2011, Michigan has received nearly $650 million in new business investment from China. Recent Chinese investments in Michigan include:
Zhongding USA Cadillac: In August 2016, Zhongding, a subsidiary of Anhui Zhongding Sealing Parts (Ningguo, China) announced it is expanding its manufacturing facility in Cadillac, investing $4.3 million in a new building and new equipment to venture into the heavy truck and agriculture industries. The project is expected to create 125 jobs. The project was supported by MEDC with a $600,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
Karma Automotive LLC: Karma designs and manufactures luxury hybrid vehicles. In June 2016, the company, which is a subsidiary of Chicago-based Wanxiang North America, will establish an automotive engineering and purchasing hub in Troy to house operations supporting its California-based supply chain activities and automotive production. The project is expected to generate more than $3.6 million and create up to 150 jobs, resulting in a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
The Paslin Company: In April 2016, the subsidiary of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group (China) announced it was expanding in Warren, investing $32.4 million and creating 150 jobs.
CW Bearing USA: CW Bearing is a subsidiary of Ningbo, China-based Cixing Group Co. Ltd. In August 2015, Snyder joined the bearing manufacturer in China for its announcement to construct a new U.S. headquarters, engineering and technical center and advanced production operation in Northville Township. The project was expected to generate a total capital investment of $25.9 million and create 125 jobs, resulting in a $550,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company is on track to meet its first hiring milestone.
Concurrently with the governor’s mission, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is leading a group of Michigan companies on its first ever food and agriculture trade mission to China.
The trip marks the Snyder administration’s sixth mission to China. Other missions led by Snyder or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have included Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Columbia, Switzerland, Ireland and Great Britain.
