Gov. Whitmer to meet with business leaders, foreign officials in Spain for 3-day investment mission

LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off a three-day investment mission in Spain on Monday, 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.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, 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 build further relationships with the multinational company, which recently announced its 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.”

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