Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

June 16, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

*Gov. Whitmer Leads Delegation to Australia to Strengthen Business Ties and Defense Manufacturing, Tout Michigan’s Leadership in Industry Sectors* 

"The governor plans to meet with companies in Michigan’s growth industries, including mobility, defense, clean energy, healthcare and MedTech, and cybersecurity" 

 

*LANSING, Mich.* – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicks off a week-long investment mission to Australia to strengthen business ties with Australian companies and build opportunities in Michigan’s growth industries, from mobility and defense to clean energy.

 

Michigan has a long-standing relationship with Australia, particularly in the automotive and mobility sectors. In May 2023, the governor and Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Michigan and Australia [ [link removed] ], reaffirming our commitment to collaboration in the automotive industry, future mobility, and the transportation sector.

 

The mission will support the objectives outlined in the MOU through company meetings, roundtables, and knowledge sharing.

 

“This investment mission will build on Michigan’s longstanding, shared heritage with Australia and strengthen our ties as we build on our future in the mobility, defense, clean energy, and cybersecurity industries,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “I look forward to sharing this experience with our Michigan delegation and engaging with global partners in Australia to share how they too can ‘Make It’ in Michigan. I will continue to work with anyone and travel anywhere to enhance Michigan’s leadership in our core strategic industries and bring opportunities back home to Michiganders.”

 

“As more foreign countries seek relationships at the subnational, individual state level, as one of America’s most international states, Michigan is uniquely advantaged to seize this moment. Australia represents another key opportunity to strengthen international ties and highlight Michigan’s value proposition to investors on a global stage,” said *Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation*. “With our legacy of innovation, world-class advanced manufacturing assets, and strategic access to North American markets, Michigan is an ideal entry point for Australian companies looking to grow in the U.S and North America more broadly. Through the ‘Make It in Michigan’ strategy focused on People, Places and Projects, Team Michigan is committed to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships that lead to transformative investment, inclusive job creation, and long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders across both peninsulas.”

 

“With a defense heritage dating back to World War II, when Detroit was known as the 'Arsenal of Democracy,' Michigan offers Australian companies a powerful gateway into the U.S. defense market,” said *U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs*. “Today, its advanced industrial base, highly skilled talent and spirit of innovation position Michigan as an ideal partner for strategic investment and co-development — where trusted allies can drive technological advancement and mutual growth in a rapidly evolving global security landscape."

 

During the investment mission, the governor and Michigan delegation will meet with several companies in Australia, including two with a strong Michigan presence: Stryker [ [link removed] ] and Penske Corporation [ [link removed] ]. Stryker, a global medical technology company originating in Kalamazoo, has headquarters in Sydney, Australia. Penske Corporation, a transportation services company based in Bloomfield Township, has locations throughout Australia. The company will host the delegation for a tour of a Penske frigate vessel at Garden Island Naval Base.

 

Additionally, the governor will meet with Australian government leaders in New South Wales and Victoria to further deepen diplomatic ties between Michigan and Australia and identify opportunities for cultural and economic exchange. The delegation will host multiple business roundtables while in the country, including with the American Chamber of Commerce, Global Victoria Women, and with mobility and defense industry members.

  

*Members of Michigan’s Delegation* 

In Australia, the governor is joined by a delegation from Michigan, including: representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Brad Wieferich, director and Michele Mueller, senior project manager, of the Michigan Department of Transportation; Karen A. Thole, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan; John Papapolymerou, interim dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan State University; and Sarah Gonzales, director of state and local government affairs at Delta Air Lines.

 

“Michigan has long been the global epicenter of automotive innovation, and today we’re leading the mobility transformation toward a more connected, sustainable, and equitable mobility future,” said *Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson*. “I’m thrilled to join this delegation in Australia as we showcase Michigan’s deep expertise, collaborative ecosystem, and pioneering public-private partnerships that continue to shape the next generation of mobility. Australia presents a powerful opportunity to connect and foster investment that drives progress in both of our regions.”

 

“I’m pleased to represent the Michigan Department of Transportation as we take the opportunity to collaborate with Australia, a known leader in technology and innovation,” *said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich*. “Governor Whitmer’s invitation to participate in this business delegation allows us to further strengthen relationships with companies leading the charge for infrastructure technology, safety improvements, and innovation.”

 

“MDOT’s focus on providing a safe and reliable transportation system is further supported through the advancements made by our peers in Australia,” said *Michele Mueller, manager of MDOT’s Connected, Automated Vehicles and Electrification unit*. “Using and building on the technological advancements we’ve seen here will help us build safer and more connected roadways when we return home.”

 

“Michigan Engineering has long been a thriving global community of students, scholars, and alumni,” said *Karen A. Thole, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering and a professor of mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan*. “I am excited to join this delegation to explore how we deepen our Australian connections to partner in the pursuit of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and workforce development for Michigan and beyond.”

 

“As a delegation, we are committed to showcasing the many benefits of partnering with Michigan,” said *John Papapolymerou, interim dean of the Michigan State University College of Engineering*. “Our state's robust talent pipeline, long history of innovation, and strong collaboration between academia and industry serve as a solid foundation for organizations and entrepreneurs around the world looking to expand their businesses. Spartan Engineering is excited about this opportunity and looks forward to building long-lasting partnerships.”

 

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