Going Anywhere, Doing Anything

by: TheConversation

Fri Jul 06, 2007 at 17:48:16 PM EDT

Did you happen to catch this line in the Governor's recent message to Michigan?

So last week we came together, Democrats and Republicans, to replace the old business tax with one that makes Michigan competitive in the fight for new jobs. While business will pay its fair share overall, 72% of Michigan businesses will get a tax cut. So now I'll take this story across the globe to businesses everywhere, offering a highly skilled workforce, a quality of life others can only envy, and a business tax that encourages investment and jobs right here. 

When the governor says she's going to take our story across the globe, you'd better believe she means it. Soon, the governor will announce the locations of her new jobs missions to bring 21st century businesses - and jobs - to Michigan. And you'd better believe she's going to bring those jobs to Michigan.

But you don't have to take my word for it. You don't even have to take her word for it. Just take a look at some of the numbers from her previous jobs missions:

Then, in 2005, Governor Granholm packed her suitcase once again for another jobs mission; this time to Japan. It's no secret that many Japanese businesses are helping to define the 21st century economy. Many of the electronic devices and high tech appliances that drive the digital age come from Japanese companies. So Governor Granholm met with those companies to tell them Michigan has the best workers on the planet - workers that can research, develop, and build those very devices that drive the digital age. And, thanks to the governor's meetings, that's just what's happening. Governor Granholm secured investments from 10 companies totaling $116 million. For Michigan workers, that meant 630 new jobs in our state.

And we're just getting started.

In 2006, armed with success stories from the previous Japanese investments, Governor Granholm went back to Japan to meet with more executives. And, when the governor told them about all Michigan had to offer - our unrivaled natural beauty, the nation's best workers, top-notch public schools and universities, they too chose Michigan to invest. Twelve new companies committed to more than $84 million in new investments and over 400 new jobs.

Most recently, Governor Granholm's 2007 jobs mission to Germany was met with record success. During her three-day mission, the governor secured more than $20 million in investments and announced the creation of 787 jobs. From Grand Rapids to Auburn Hills to Ann Arbor, the 2007 jobs mission is bringing good, 21st Century jobs here to Michigan.

And these are just the immediate effects of the governor's efforts. In business, the real value is in the long-term relationships the governor is building. Each company that chooses Michigan is planting its roots in our state. So, when somebody asks you "why is the governor going overseas on these jobs trips?" you can just read them 'the list':

• Facton Inc, a high-tech software company plans to invest $1 million to locate its new North American office to Auburn Hills. The project will create 93 new Michigan jobs, including 59 directly by the company. (Visited in 2007)
  
• Kostal of America will relocate its Novi operations to Try to expand and become one of three new Kostal Group international R&D centers of excellent. It brings with it 203 new high-tech jobs and $13.6 million in investment. (Visited in 2007)
  
• MBTech Autodie, LLC plans to invest $5 million in the former Autodie facility in Grand Rapids, retaining 422 Michigan jobs. (Visited in 2007)
  
• AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc. is an auto engineering company that is accelerating the hiring of 125 workers for its new technology center in Ann Arbor and now plans to expand its operations with an additional 80 workers. (Visited in 2007)
  
• Konica Minolta Holdings purchased American Litho in Grand Rapids and plans to invest $13.3 million in expanding the facility. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Meiden American is a heavy electrical equipment manufacturer planning to invest $10 million to open a new facility in Michigan. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Shikoku Cable Company plans to invest $250,000 to expand its sales operations in Novi. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Taichi-S is an automotive seating manufacturer that plans to invest $700,000 to expand its facility in Farmington Hills. (Visited in 2006)
  
• JTETK is a partnership between Toyoda Machinery and Koyo Seiko that manufactures auto parts. They have announced plans to expand operations in Plymouth. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Takao Metals has recently begun construction on a new facility in Canton to expand engineering and light assembly operations. The parent company of Takao America, and one of the core auto parts manufacturers for Honda, will invest $10 million. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America will locate a new facility in Wixom (Visited in 2006)
  
• Mitsui Chemical is one of the world's largest producers of chemical products. They have announced that they are consolidating production at their Adrian facility, generating $6 million in investment and moving jobs from the company's Indiana plant. (Visited in 2006)
  
• Hitachi Automotive is expanding its operation in Farmington Hills creating hundreds of new jobs. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Sekisui Chemical is employing 170 workers in Coldwater. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Nippon Antenna is undertaking a site search for a new R&D facility in Michigan. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Nippon Piston Ring is finishing a new plant in Grand Haven under the name NPR Manufacturing Michigan. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Advanced Special Tools will create a new subsidiary called Advanced Plastics Molding in Battle Creek. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Nakagawa Special Steel is opening its first sales office in Novi. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Taiko Device Technologies is opening its first North American office in Southfield. (Visited in 2005)
  
• A&D Inc. is establishing A&D Technology Inc. in Ann Arbor to commence development of its DSP business in the North American Region. (Visited in 2005)
  
• DENSO will invest $36 million to expand its North American headquarters in Southfield and create 250 new jobs. (Visited in 2005)
  
• Tokai Rika will invest $50 million to grow its operations in Battle Creek, Jackson, and Plymouth, creating 230 new jobs. (Visited in 2005)
  

When Governor Granholm says she's going anywhere and doing anything to bring jobs to Michigan, you'd better believe it.

- John VanDeventer, Granholm Leadership Fund