LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan delegation led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently concluded its successful economic mission to Spain, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and attracting foreign direct investment to the state. With an emphasis on the “Make It in Michigan” economic development strategy of investing in People, revitalizing Places, and winning Projects, the mission focused on expanding opportunities for collaboration with Spain’s key industries and strengthening economic ties between the country and state.
“Investment is essential to Michigan’s continued economic growth, and this mission highlights our commitment to building strong partnerships that create good-paying jobs and continue innovation across our state," said Governor Whitmer. “Spain is a valued ally and a critical partner in industries that matter to Michigan’s future, and together, we’re advancing a shared vision of economic opportunity and sustainability.”
During the visit, the Team Michigan delegation, including Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., hosted a business roundtable with Spanish industry leaders. Additionally, Team Michigan visited 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 delegation also met with senior government officials in Madrid and Catalonia to discuss new avenues for trade, investment, and mutual growth in key sectors critical to both Spain and Michigan’s economies. On Monday, the governor met with the President of Catalonia Mr. Salvador Illa Roca and Jaume Baró Torres, Secretary for Enterprise and Competitiveness of the Ministry of Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia and CEO of ACCIÓ in Barcelona. On Tuesday, the governor met with the Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu Boher and Secretary of State for Industry Rebecca Torro in Madrid.
“We are grateful for the hospitality that we were shown in Spain. Team Michigan remains laser-focused on creating Michigan jobs and opportunities through global investment. These missions are critical to ensuring that Michigan is top of mind for foreign companies seeking to enter or expand in the North American market, since we are visiting them at their home locations and presenting Michigan’s strengths as they make investment decisions," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. "This investment mission is integral to our broader ‘Make It in Michigan’ strategy and we’re proud to have strengthened our ties with Spain, a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy."
Michigan and Spain have a mutually beneficial economic relationship, as Michigan is Spain’s fifth-largest trading partner in terms of U.S. states and Spain is Michigan’s 11th-largest export market. In 2023, Michigan exported more than $770 million worth of goods to Spain, and 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.
This 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.
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