Eight Michigan companies to join MEDC at IDEX Defense Expo in Abu Dhabi, Feb. 17-21, 2019

IDEX will feature military officials and government organizations to source technology and equipment for defense

Business leaders from eight Michigan companies will join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), taking place Feb. 17 through 21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

IDEX is the largest defense exhibition in the MENA region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea, and air sectors of defense. Participating in IDEX allows Michigan companies to gain access to global leaders, policy, and decision makers; profile their technologies and projects; meet global defense contractors; reach thousands of prime contractors, OEMs, and international delegations; and align their brands to a high-profile regional and international event marketing campaign.

“Defense and homeland security are more important to our state and nation than ever. Michigan has placed a special emphasis on this sector, helping both entrepreneurs and established firms within the state to diversify into the industry,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Mason. “IDEX will open doors for these companies by connecting them with defense and homeland security professionals from around the globe, ultimately growing their businesses and bringing more and better jobs to Michigan residents.”

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are heavily spending on the defense sector with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reporting the largest defense budgets in 2016. Saudi Arabia is the world's largest importer of arms, of which 64 percent are imported from the U.S.

The participating Michigan companies will travel with MEDC to take part in pre-arranged business matchmaking meetings with prospective partners, distributors, and buyers. Matchmaking meetings were arranged by the Michigan Arab Gulf Center located in Dubai. Participants will also receive an in-country briefing about doing business in the region and receive their own kiosk in the Michigan booth at the show.

• AAR Mobility Systems (Cadillac) – Designs, manufactures, integrates, and services a variety of mobility products to support military and disaster relief operations and is a provider of defense, aerospace, and commercial aircraft after-market products
• Cignys (Saginaw) – Manufactures ground support equipment, leveling jacks, mobilizers, electrical enclosures, and build-to-print contract machining
• MCM Learning (Warren) – Delivers the highest quality training products and services including mil-/non-mil spec technical manuals, technical data and configuration, maintenance planning and management, testing and evaluation, training and training support, sustaining engineering, manpower and personnel, translation, and facilities and infrastructure
• Mistequay Group (Saginaw) – Manufacturer and custom-engineering solutions provider with specialized product lines in linear motion with a focus on aerospace ballscrews, and driveline solutions utilizing proprietary constant velocity prop-shaft and half-shaft components
• Oasis Advanced Engineering Inc. (Auburn Hills) – Engaged in research and development of modeling, simulation, training systems, and embedded electronics and optical devices for military applications
• Thunder Technologies Inc. (Rochester Hills) – Manufactures custom metal/industrial hose and expansion joints while specializing in unique problem solving for hose assemblies/expansion joints in the defense industry including all naval, land, and air applications
• VectorRock (Ann Arbor) – Cybersecurity consulting firm serving all industries with valuable or sensitive information and proactively protecting business assets through penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, reverse engineering, and network monitoring
• Riveer Environmental (South Haven) – World leader in the design and manufacture of closed loop wash systems, aircraft clear water rinse systems, deployable vehicle wash systems, and corrosion prevention wash solutions

Riveer Environmental has been a client of MEDC’s International Trade Program since 2012. Riveer Director of Military Programs Jeff Rowan also traveled to Eurosatory Defense and Security Expo with MEDC in June 2018.

“Riveer is excited to participate in IDEX 2019. The Middle East is a fast-growing segment to our military business and Riveer is looking to expand on the opportunities we have already established as well as the prospect of new customers and opportunities,” Rowan said. “The venue is an excellent platform for vendors to meet with potential clients and we are looking forward to a successful show. As a world leader in wash and rinse systems for vehicles and aircraft, the environmental conditions of the Middle East make our products essential for keeping crews safe and equipment mission-ready.”

MEDC's International Trade Program is committed to increasing Michigan’s exporting opportunities by helping businesses identify and enter key emerging foreign markets. Export sales facilitated by the MEDC International Trade program totaled more than $641 million in fiscal year 2018, surpassing the goal of $630 million. This puts the International Trade program-to-date total facilitated export sales more than $2.6 billion. Top reported countries for export sales include Canada, Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom.

The Michigan Defense Center is the state of Michigan’s lead voice on the defense and homeland security economy and guides the state’s policies and programs to protect and grow this important sector of the economy. The MDC acts as a liaison between the state and defense interests in the federal government, defense agencies, the defense industry, academia and the defense community and supporting organizations. For more information on the Michigan Defense Center, visit: http://www.arsenalofinnovation.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.