Governor Whitmer Concludes Investment Mission to Germany and Italy

LANSING, Mich. –  Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded a high-impact investment mission to Germany and Italy, reinforcing Michigan’s role as a global leader in defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and national security while strengthening international partnerships that support job creation and long-term economic growth. 

“Michigan has always stepped up when our nation and our allies needed us most,” said Governor Whitmer. “From our legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy to today’s cutting-edge defense and aerospace innovation, Michigan is ready to lead again. This mission strengthened critical partnerships, showcased our state’s unmatched industrial capabilities, and sent a clear message to the world: if you want to build the future of defense and aerospace, you can Make It in Michigan.” 

While in Munich, Governor Whitmer spoke with global leaders and defense stakeholders at the Munich Security Conference, elevating Michigan’s presence at the center of international security discussions. Governor Whitmer highlighted Michigan’s growing role in the defense industrial base, resilient supply chains, and advanced manufacturing, underscoring the state’s importance to U.S. and allied readiness. 

As part of the conference, Team Michigan formally launched the Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) to grow Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors, strengthen national security, and create high-paying jobs across the state. 

“Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan positions our state to compete and win globally,” said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of ODAI at MEDC. “This plan aligns our industry, universities, workforce, and defense assets around a shared mission, accelerating innovation, expanding industrial capacity, and ensuring Michigan remains a cornerstone of America’s national security. This investment mission was critical to sharing that vision directly with global partners and reinforcing Michigan’s role in the international defense and aerospace ecosystem.” 

The strategic plan builds on Michigan’s unique strengths, including its skilled workforce, world-class manufacturing base, robust research institutions, and critical defense assets, while advancing innovation across defense, aerospace, maritime, and space technologies. 

“Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century means ensuring Michigan delivers what the warfighter needs to deter and win future conflicts,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Michigan’s integrated defense and aerospace ecosystem, anchored by the National All-Domain Warfighting Center’s designation as a national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems testing, provides the scale, airspace and all-domain environment required to develop, test and employ capabilities at operational tempo under realistic conditions. By investing in and protecting this ecosystem, we strengthen Joint Force readiness, accelerate mission-relevant innovation and ensure Michigan remains a decisive contributor to national defense and allied security.” 

Governor Whitmer concluded the mission in Italy, where she met with senior executives and partners across defense, aerospace, mobility, and advanced manufacturing to deepen Michigan’s economic ties and explore future collaboration. In addition, she met with senior leaders from the U.S. Army’s 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, received a classified threat brief, and had lunch with soldiers from Michigan. 

During meetings in Munich, Governor Whitmer met with companies including RENK and Eco/G, and Italy, companies including Eldor, ItalDesign, and Brembo, highlighting Michigan’s advantages as a destination for new and continued investment. She also met with Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri, which partners with the University of Michigan’s Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering (NAME), the only program of its kind in the country. The partnership between U-M and Fincantieri seeks to ensure mutual success and revitalization of U.S. shipbuilding through technological innovation and experiential learning for students. 

This investment mission was 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.