Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to Germany to Strengthen Economic Partnerships, Attract New Investment

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer began a Team Michigan investment mission to Germany to strengthen relationships with one of the state's most important international economic partners, attract new investment, and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. 

Gov. Whitmer and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. will attend SEMICON Europa, Europe's largest combined electronics design and manufacturing event, meet with companies to underscore the benefits of working in Michigan, and engage with German government officials to advance opportunities for economic collaboration. 

The mission builds on Michigan's sustained engagement with Germany and ongoing efforts to position the state as a leading destination for investment in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, mobility, defense, and other emerging industries. 

“Michigan is open for business, and we've continued to go anywhere and compete with everyone to bring good-paying jobs and investments back home,” said Governor Whitmer. “Germany has been a critical partner in Michigan's economic success, with companies investing billions in our state, creating jobs, and helping us lead the future of manufacturing and innovation. We've built strong relationships with German businesses over the years, and we're going to keep showing up and making the case for why Michigan is the best place to invest and grow. Together, we'll keep building on our momentum, creating opportunities for Michiganders, and showing the world what it means to 'Make It in Michigan.'” 

“Relationships matter in economic development, and sustained engagement with our international partners is essential to Michigan's long-term competitiveness,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Germany is one of Michigan's most important economic partner markets, and our continued relationship building in market demonstrates our commitment to the companies that have already chosen Michigan while positioning us to compete for their next investments while introducing ourselves to companies who might not be as familiar with our state. From semiconductors to advanced manufacturing and mobility, established companies and start-ups are helping create opportunities for more Michiganders to realize their economic aspirations here. Team Michigan remains willing to show up, listen to companies’ and entrepreneurs’ needs, and tell Michigan's compelling story to business leaders around the world.” 

Continued Relationship Building with German Companies 

Kicking off the investment mission, Gov. Whitmer visited Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s leading organization for applied research. Fraunhofer's U.S. affiliate has a longstanding and growing presence in Michigan since 1994, with Fraunhofer USA’s operations and headquarters at Michigan State University (MSU). Through its partnership with MSU, Fraunhofer USA has spent decades advancing research and development in advanced materials, semiconductor technologies, and manufacturing innovation, demonstrating the strength of Michigan's economic and research ties in the state and with Germany. Fraunhofer USA’s headquarters at MSU are part of the new Rosenberg Center, which brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate partners to accelerate innovation and commercialization.

This partnership continues to expand — in September 2026, MSU received a $20 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to establish the Integrated Diamond and Carbon Research in Space Applications (IDiCaRS) facility, leveraging the expertise of Fraunhofer USA and MSU's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. The new shared-use facility will advance the development and testing of next-generation semiconductor technologies for space exploration and other demanding applications, while creating opportunities for workforce development and strengthening Michigan's position as a leader in semiconductor innovation.

Fraunhofer USA's ongoing relationship with MSU underscores the importance of international partnerships in building Michigan's innovation ecosystem, connecting cutting-edge research with industry, and positioning the state to lead in the technologies of the future. 

“For more than three decades, Michigan has been Fraunhofer’s home in the United States. Governor Whitmer’s visit underscores what we see every day: when German applied research meets Michigan’s industrial strength and MSU’s scientific excellence, the result is technology that moves from the lab to the factory floor and creates jobs here at home,” said Dr. Thomas Schuelke, President of Fraunhofer USA, Inc. 

Building on Michigan's Global Economic Development Strategy  

As part of the investment mission, Team Michigan will attend SEMICON Europa, which brings together global leaders across the semiconductor and microelectronics industries to advance innovation, strengthen supply chains, and explore new investment opportunities.

Michigan's world-class engineering talent, advanced manufacturing capabilities, robust automotive supply chain, and growing innovation ecosystem position the state to continue competing for investment in semiconductor technologies and related industries. At SEMICON Europa, the delegation will engage with global industry partners to highlight Michigan's competitive advantages and explore opportunities for new partnerships, research and development, and investment in the state's semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. 

Beyond the conference, Gov. Whitmer, Messer, and members of Team Michigan will meet with executives from companies with existing Michigan operations to strengthen relationships, discuss future growth opportunities, and reaffirm the state's commitment to their continued success. These companies include Siemens, a leading global technology company and European industrial engineering conglomerate with a strong presence in southeast Michigan. 

The delegation will also engage with German government leaders to deepen bilateral relationships and explore shared economic priorities. Additionally, Gov. Whitmer will participate in a roundtable with VDMA, Europe’s largest network organization and an important voice for the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry in Europe and Germany. 

These conversations are particularly important as Michigan continues to compete in an increasingly dynamic global economy. Maintaining a consistent presence in key international markets helps ensure Michigan remains top of mind for companies making decisions about future investments, expansions, and job creation. 

Germany remains one of Michigan's most significant international economic partners, with longstanding ties across the automotive, defense, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Since 2019, German companies have announced 74 investment projects representing $1.97 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Michigan. Germany ranks as Michigan's fifth-largest international investor by capital expenditure and first by number of investment projects during that period. 

Recent investment missions have reinforced the importance of Team Michigan's sustained engagement with German companies and demonstrated the value of building long-term relationships with global business leaders. 

In February 2026, Gov. Whitmer visited RENK Group's global headquarters in Germany and joined CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel to announce the company's continued investment in Michigan, including plans for $70 million in capital expenditures and $80 million in research and development in the state from 2024 through 2030. The company's expansion is expected to support approximately 300 new jobs in Michigan, further strengthening the state's defense and advanced manufacturing industries. 

During her September 2025 investment mission to Germany, Gov. Whitmer announced American Rheinmetall's latest $31.7 million investment in Michigan, creating 450 new jobs. In January 2026, Volkswagen Group of America also announced a $13 million investment in Oakland County, retaining more than 900 jobs in the state. 

These investments reflect the depth of Michigan's relationship with German companies, many of which maintain significant operations and partnerships in the state across mobility research and development, electrification, energy systems, defense, and industrial technology. 

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 Threads.