Snyder Continues European Trip
KUNZELSAU, Germany – Gov. Rick Snyder today met with executives of German automotive suppliers whose companies operate in Michigan, seeking to strengthen relationships and attract new job-creating investments.
“Michigan is the best place for German companies, and particularly auto suppliers, that are interested in expanding in North America,” Snyder said. “We offer a more business-friendly environment, a strong manufacturing base, research and development opportunities, and a highly skilled, highly productive work force that provide Michigan companies a great advantage over their competitors.”
Snyder met with executives from several German companies including Herzing+Schroth in Obertshausen, Brose Fahrzeugteile in Wurzburg and the Würth Group in Kunzelsau.
Herzing+Schroth, which designs and manufactures transmission and engine parts, established its U.S. operations with the opening of the company’s Troy office where it will manufacture high-precision engine and powertrain components.
Brose Fahrzeugteile’s U.S. headquarters is in Auburn Hills, with a manufacturing facility in Warren. The automotive supplier has 259 employees between the two locations.
The Würth Group has more than 400 companies in 84 countries and employs 66,000 people worldwide. A division of Wurth, Dokka Fasteners Inc., established a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills in 2010. Dokka produces fasteners for wind turbines, drilling rigs, cranes and steel construction.
Snyder has traveled Europe in a one-week investment mission to Italy and Germany. State business leaders and economists see great potential growth opportunities for Michigan:
· Michigan exports to Europe totaled $6 billion in 2011, with transportation equipment and chemicals accounting for nearly half of the total.
· Michigan exports to Italy totaled $394 million in 2011, with transportation equipment accounting for more than half of the total. Italy accounted for 6 percent of the state’s total exports to Europe in 2011.
· Michigan exports to Germany totaled nearly $1.8 billion in 2011, led by transportation equipment, nonmetallic mineral products and primary metal manufacturing. Germany accounted for nearly 30 percent of Michigan exports to Europe in 2011.
· Approximately 80,000 Michigan residents are employed by German- and Italian-owned companies that operate here. These companies, representing a wide range of industry sectors, are heavily concentrated in advanced automotive manufacturing and research and development, sectors well known for producing high-wage jobs.
The mission is Snyder’s second since taking office in 2011. Last September, he led an eight-day trade mission in Asia, where he and a Michigan delegation met with Japanese, Chinese and Korean government officials and major company executives to promote business opportunities in Michigan