More than 10,000 jobs created by Automation Alley’s global trade program, supported by MEDC 

TROY, Mich., Aug. 2023 – Automation Alley, Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center, announced today its global trade program has passed $2 billion in export sales. The sales, which are tracked by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were made by Michigan companies that went on Automation Alley Trade Missions and participated in other MEDC trade activities.

In addition, more than 10,000 jobs have been created or supported as a result of the trade activities over the past 22 years, according to metrics tracked for its role as a regional export network (REN) for the MEDC. 

“The companies that participate in this program are often small manufacturers that have never been overseas on business trips. Through this program, we are able to set them up in conversations with organizations that are likely to be interested in what they do, which frequently leads to successful business relationships,” said Tom Kelly, Automation Alley Executive Director, and CEO. “We are very proud of the fantastic results this program has been able to deliver for Michigan companies and the jobs we have been able to create for the state of Michigan." 

The goal of Automation Alley’s trade program, supported by MEDC, is to help Michigan companies expand their products, services, and technologies globally into new, high-growth markets. Through Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP), eligible Michigan manufacturers have access to financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible Michigan small businesses. 

“The MEDC’s International Trade Team celebrates Automation Alley’s remarkable milestone of $2 billion in new international sales,” said Alyssa Tracey, MEDC International Trade director. “We are proud of our partnership with Automation Alley as we work together to make meaningful connections with businesses across the state to increase their international presence, sales, and growth.” 

Since the start of the trade program in 2001, Automation Alley has organized nearly 50 trade missions with nearly 500 participating companies and organizations to countries including China, Mexico, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and many more, as well as virtual missions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2008, the program has averaged $134 million in export sales and nearly 700 jobs created each year. 

"Every time we go on a trade mission we build relationships and gain knowledge from business and top government officials that provides Michigan and our business community with greater access to the global economy,” said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley Director of International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships. 

Automation Alley works with government organizations including MEDC’s foreign offices with support from U.S. Commercial Service, to arrange in-country matchmaking meetings with potential business partners, buyers, and end users of the participating companies’ products, services, and technologies. Prior to each mission, Automation Alley holds country-specific workshops to inform interested companies about the challenges and opportunities of doing business abroad.  

Automation Alley’s International Business Services Team handles all mission-related planning and details before, during, and after the mission, which includes hotel accommodations, internal transportation, matchmaking meetings, business briefings, welcome receptions, and cultural tours. 

Automation Alley has earned the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service three times – in 2021, 2013, and 2008 – in honor of its significant contributions to increasing U.S. exports through its trade program. 

Automation Alley is in the process of organizing two trade missions over the next six months in Mexico and India. There is a strong demand for Michigan-made products and technology in both countries. Here are some details about those upcoming trips: 

• Trade Mission to Mexico
  • Dates: Oct-15-20
  • Location: Mexico City and Monterrey
  • Registration Deadline: August 15, 2023
• Trade Mission to India
  • Dates: Jan 26-Feb 3, 2024
  • Locations: Chennai, Pune, and New Delhi
  • Registration Deadline: November 10, 2023 

About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and Digital Transformation Insight Center focused on driving the growth and success of businesses in Michigan and beyond through innovation and automation. With a global outlook and a regional focus, we foster a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through opportunities for collaboration and learning. Our programs and services help businesses develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively jumpstart or accelerate digital transformation. By bringing together industry, academia, and government, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across Michigan. Visit automationalley.com. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.