Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off an investment mission to South Korea, where she and a delegation of business, government and industry leaders will meet with companies and officials to attract investment and create opportunities for Michigan businesses and workers. The delegation is focusing on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, robotics, drones, shipbuilding and future mobility—sectors where Michigan has significant advantages, Whitmer said.
"Michigan is open for business, and we're going anywhere and working with anyone to bring more jobs, investment and opportunity back home," Whitmer said. "South Korea is a global leader in industries that are critical to Michigan's future, from semiconductors and robotics to mobility and shipbuilding. By showing up, strengthening relationships, and making the case for Michigan, we can open new doors for our businesses, bring critical supply chains home, and create good-paying jobs in communities across our state."
South Korea is one of Michigan's largest trading partners, ranking number 3 in imports and number 8 in exports. Since January 2019, Korean companies have undertaken 14 investment projects in Michigan, representing $6.01 billion in capital investment and creating 5,379 direct jobs. Recent projects include investments from Brils, Hansae Mobility, HL Mechatronics and LG Energy Solution. The delegation will pursue opportunities in shipbuilding, maritime manufacturing, robotics and advanced manufacturing as South Korea plans a $350 billion investment commitment in the United States.
The mission builds on prior engagements by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in the region, including a 2024 investment mission to South Korea. In March 2024, Whitmer attended InterBattery, one of the world's largest battery industry exhibitions, and met with major companies including Samsung SDI, Lotte Energy Materials, Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Mobis. In June 2024, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea's agency for small businesses and startups to strengthen collaboration.
The delegation includes Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr., Major General Paul D. Rogers of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and representatives from the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Henry Ford Health System, Oakland County and ITC Michigan.