Gov. Whitmer Leads Economic Mission to Germany, Secures New Jobs for Michigan and Attends Munich Security Conference

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer began an investment mission to Germany, building on Michigan’s global engagements to continue attracting new investment and reinforce the state’s leadership in the defense industry. 

“Michigan’s manufacturing economy has a critical role to play in protecting our national security,” said Governor Whitmer. “On this investment mission to Germany, we’re meeting with global business and strategic allies at the Munich Security Conference and securing a major expansion from RENK to create 300 good-paying jobs back home. We will continue to stay focused on growing our economy and bring home more projects to help us lead the future of manufacturing, defense, and aerospace. Let’s keep telling Michigan’s story and leading on issues that matter nationally and globally.” 

While in Germany, the governor will engage with executives, political, and international security leaders underscoring Michigan’s competitive advantages in the defense industry to build relationships and attract investments and jobs. 

Joining Governor Whitmer on this investment mission is U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

In her initial engagements in Germany, Governor Whitmer visited RENK Group and joined CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel to announce the company’s plan to expand in Michigan, with a planned $70 million investment in capital expenditures and $100 million in research and development in the state by 2030. As part of this expansion, RENK expects to create approximately 300 jobs in Michigan. 

“After meeting Governor Whitmer in Ann Arbor last year, I am honored to welcome her to RENK’s global headquarters and to reaffirm our commitment to serving as a trusted supplier to the U.S. military and allied forces,” said Dr. Alexander Sagel. “This reflects our confidence in Michigan’s talented workforce, strong industrial base, and supportive business environment.” 

RENK America and Horstman, RENK Group’s two U.S. subsidiaries located in Michigan, currently employ more than 540 Michigan workers in their plants in Muskegon, Sterling Heights, and Roseville.  This expansion will strengthen those facilities while supporting Michigan’s advanced manufacturing leadership.   

This announcement builds Germany’s relationship with Michigan as one of the state’s most important international partners. Germany is Michigan’s 4th largest international investor, with 64 investment projects and $1.8 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) since 2019. During an investment mission to Germany in September 2025, Gov. Whitmer announced American Rheinmetall’s latest investment of, $31.7 million investment in Michigan, creating 450 new jobs. High-level German firms - including Volkswagen Group, who last month announced a $13 million investment and retention of over 900 jobs in the state - maintain operations or partnerships in Michigan, with ongoing investment in mobility R&D, electrification, energy systems, and industrial technology. 

Team Michigan’s engagement in the Munich Security Conference will focus on the state’s strategic importance to national defense, advanced manufacturing, and resilient supply chains. Michigan is home to a growing network of defense and aerospace companies, research institutions, and military assets that support U.S. and allied readiness. 

“Michigan is uniquely positioned to support defense and aerospace innovation at scale,” said Col. Gutierrez. “This mission sends a clear signal that Michigan is open for business, ready to partner with allies, and committed to growing the technologies, workforce, and supply chains that underpin our national security.” 

Michigan’s defense sector is a growing pillar of the state’s economy. Recent initiatives including the Michigan Maritime Strategy, christening of the USNS Lansing, and the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative demonstrate Michigan’s expanding role in supporting naval and maritime capabilities and strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base. Just last week, the Department of Defense designated Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) as a national range for an uncrewed aerial systems testing due to a unique combination of capabilities, permissive drone testing policies, and proximity to tech innovation industry leaders in the state. 

“Michigan plays a critical role in advancing national defense priorities through its integrated ecosystem of defense and aerospace industries, research institutions and military assets,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers. “The Department of War’s designation of the NADWC as a national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems testing reflects a clear focus on the warfighter and what is required to prepare the force for future conflict. The NADWC provides the scale, airspace and integrated all-domain environment necessary for Soldiers, Airmen, joint partners and allies to develop, test and employ uncrewed systems at operational tempo under realistic, all-weather conditions. These capabilities strengthen Joint Force readiness, accelerate operationally relevant innovation and enhance resilient defense supply chains for the United States and its allies.” 

As part of the mission, Governor Whitmer will participate in the Munich Security Conference, participating in a panel on the future of U.S. foreign policy and highlighting the state’s growing role in the defense industrial base. 

This investment mission builds on Michigan’s continued strategy to attract global investment, support existing employers, and grow key industries that power the state’s economy and national security. 

This investment mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan. 

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.