LANSING, Mich. — Lt. Governor Gilchrist II concluded his investment mission to Europe this week, meeting with public and private sector leaders in England and the Netherlands. During the mission, the lieutenant governor focused on expanding on Michigan’s rich leadership in the aerospace and defense industry to bring critical jobs and supply chains home to Michigan.  

“As we wrap up our investment mission to Europe, I’m proud of our work to share Michigan’s story and build close partnerships that will help us lead the way on the technology of the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We are grateful to our partners in England, the Netherlands, and Germany who met with and hosted our delegation for their hospitality and generosity. As we reinforce these partnerships and strengthen our defense and aerospace industry, our hopes are sky high. Governor Whitmer and I will continue going anywhere and working with anyone to Stand Tall for Michigan.”   

The aerospace and defense sector contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 businesses serving the defense, aerospace, and homeland security sectors. Additionally, the Michigan National Guard boasts five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the country at Selfridge in Macomb County.     

Key members of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and partners from Team Michigan continued meetings in Germany. These members included state Representative Donovan McKinney, who co-chairs the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus; and local partners including Detroit Regional Partnership President & CEO Maureen Krauss; Dr. Venkat Viswanathan from the University of Michigan; Traverse Connect President & CEO Warren Call; and president and founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan Tony Vernaci.   

Farnborough Air Show 

During the investment mission, the lieutenant governor and the Team Michigan delegation attended the Farnborough Air Show to connect with key defense and aerospace innovators and companies while showcasing Michigan’s prowess in the industry. Through meetings with suppliers, major OEMs, multinational corporations, and technology leaders, Lt. Governor Gilchrist II emphasized why defense and aerospace businesses of all sizes should ‘Make It in Michigan.’ 

The economic development mission was supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation 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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