Gov. Whitmer Transitions Michigan Investment Mission to Italy, Advancing Defense, Manufacturing, and Global Partnerships

LANSING, Mich. –  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer transitions Michigan’s ongoing European investment mission from Germany to Italy, continuing Team Michigan’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, attract new investment, and reinforce the state’s leadership in defense, manufacturing, and national security. 
 
Building on productive engagements with allies and industry leaders in Germany, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan delegation will continue the mission in Italy, where they will meet with Italian business, government, and industry leaders to highlight Michigan’s competitive advantages in defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and mobility, while advancing opportunities for job creation and long-term economic growth.  
 
Joining Governor Whitmer is Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Colonel 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). 
 
“Italy is a key partner for Michigan as we work to strengthen advanced manufacturing, defense capabilities, and innovation-driven growth,” said Governor Whitmer. “By continuing our investment mission in Italy, we’re opening doors for new partnerships, expanding opportunities for Michiganders, and positioning our state to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving global economy.” 
 
Italy also continues to deepen its economic ties with Michigan, with recent Italian investments in design, mobility, and advanced manufacturing choosing the state for U.S. operations. Since 2019, Italian companies have invested in 6 projects in the state and $227.9 million in FDI. In January 2025 during Team Michigan’s engagement at CES, Italian automotive design and engineering firm Italdesign announced the establishment of its U.S. headquarters in Bloomfield Township, with a $20 million investment and the creation of 24 jobs.  
 
The Italy segment of the investment mission builds on Michigan’s long-term strategy to attract global investment, support existing Michigan businesses, and grow the industries that power the state’s economy and strengthen 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.