Gov. Whitmer Meets with Companies in Paris, Reaffirming Jobs and Investments for Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. – As part of Team Michigan’s ongoing investment mission to Europe this week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer met with international companies with a growing presence in Michigan at Eurosatory to reaffirm their commitments to the state and highlight the importance of sustained global engagement in driving job creation and economic growth. Together, the companies represented in these meetings have committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and the creation of over 800 jobs across Michigan communities, underscoring how strategic international investment missions strengthen relationships with key industry leaders, support existing investments, and position the state to compete for future projects that create opportunities for Michiganders. 
 
“Michigan is working with anyone and competing with everyone to grow our economy and bring good-paying jobs home from overseas,” said Gov. Whitmer. “At Eurosatory, I was proud to meet with leaders from companies that are choosing to invest and grow in Michigan, creating hundreds of good-paying jobs and strengthening our leadership in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Across the globe, we’re telling Michigan’s story and showing the world that Michigan is the best place to build, grow, and innovate. Let’s keep working together to build on our economic momentum and help more families and businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 
 
Saab, Inc. is finalizing their $75 million, 140,000-square-foot munitions production facility in Grayling. Originally announced in October 2024, the soon to be completed facility will create 70 high-quality local jobs in the community, increase domestic manufacturing, and strengthen national defense capabilities. The project is being supported by a $3.5 million performance-based Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant and approval of a 15-year, 100% SESA exemption with an estimated value of up to $664,500 for its eligible investment in Eligible Personal Property.   
 
American Rheinmetall Michigan, a subsidiary of the global defense and automotive conglomerate Rheinmetall AG, is a critical anchor for U.S. military modernization, specializing in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled combat vehicles, vehicle systems, and high-tech mechanical components. In September 2025, American Rheinmetall announced their $31.7 million investment in Michigan during Gov. Whitmer’s visit with the company in Germany. American Rheinmetall’s investment will establish a new corporate headquarters and engineering facility in Auburn Hills, creating 450 new jobs. This project is supported by a $7.52 million MBDP grant.  
 
RENK Group, a premier global manufacturer of advanced drivetrain, propulsion, and mobility systems, announced during Gov. Whitmer’s visit earlier this year their expansion plans in Michigan. RENK plans to create approximately 300 jobs in the state, with a planned $70 million investment in capital expenditures and $100 million in research and development by 2030. 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 and bolster U.S. Army advanced mobility systems while supporting Michigan’s advanced manufacturing leadership.
 
Gov. Whitmer and the Team Michigan delegation will transition their investment mission to Luxembourg and Belgium, continuing to meet with business, government, and non-governmental organization leaders to further building the foundations needed to attract these types of investments.     
 
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.