Whitmer and Michigan Business Delegation Travel To Boost Global Trade Ties with Australia

Gov. Whitmer leads a Michigan business delegation to Australia, strengthening global ties in mobility, defense, clean energy, and MedTech industries.

Michigan’s International Business Strategy Expands With Australia Investment Mission

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched a week-long investment mission to Australia, aimed at securing new business opportunities for Michigan’s critical industries. The trip emphasizes growth sectors such as mobility, defense, clean energy, healthcare, MedTech, and cybersecurity, reflecting Michigan’s push to solidify its international economic partnerships.

The trip builds on an existing 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Michigan and Australia, reinforcing their commitment to joint collaboration in transportation and future mobility. The updated agreement was previously signed by Whitmer and Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Michigan Positions Itself as a Global Gateway for Australian Industry Expansion

The mission includes company meetings, roundtables, and knowledge-sharing sessions. According to Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan’s existing infrastructure makes it an ideal entry point for Australian companies aiming to expand into North America.

“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,” Messer said. He added that Michigan’s Make It in Michigan strategy is designed to attract transformative investment and promote long-term prosperity across the state’s two peninsulas.

Defense Industry Collaboration Echoes Michigan’s ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ Legacy

Defense manufacturing remains a key focus of the mission. Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, highlighted Michigan’s historic and ongoing role in U.S. defense capabilities.

“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,” Rogers said. He emphasized Michigan’s industrial strength, skilled workforce, and technological innovation as major assets for joint development with trusted allies like Australia.

Michigan Business Delegation With Existing Ties to Australia Join the Excursion

Two companies with Michigan roots and operations in Australia—Stryker and Penske Corporation—will host portions of the delegation. Stryker, founded in Kalamazoo, operates its Australian headquarters in Sydney. Penske Corporation, headquartered in Bloomfield Township, maintains multiple locations across Australia and will offer the delegation a tour of a Penske frigate vessel at the Garden Island Naval Base.

The trip will also include meetings with Australian government officials from New South Wales and Victoria to deepen diplomatic and cultural ties.

Higher Education and Transportation Leaders Join Efforts to Expand Technological Collaboration

The Michigan delegation includes key figures from the state’s transportation and academic sectors. Bradley C. Wieferich, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), emphasized the importance of technological partnerships. “Governor Whitmer’s invitation to participate allows us to strengthen relationships with companies leading the charge for infrastructure technology, safety improvements, and innovation,” he said.

Michele Mueller, manager of MDOT’s Connected, Automated Vehicles and Electrification unit, added, “Using and building on the technological advancements we’ve seen here will help us build safer and more connected roadways when we return home.”

The academic side is represented by leaders from University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Karen A. Thole, dean of engineering at U-M, emphasized international partnerships in education and research. John Papapolymerou, interim dean at MSU’s College of Engineering, underscored Michigan’s strong collaboration between academia and industry.

Mobility and Clean Energy Innovation Lead Michigan’s Global Economic Pitch

Justine Johnson, Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer, stated, “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.”

Johnson called Australia “a powerful opportunity to foster investment that drives progress in both of our regions,” reflecting Michigan’s goal to attract both public and private sector partnerships worldwide.

Michigan’s Diplomatic Outreach Reflects National Trend of State-Led Global Economic Engagement

Michigan’s mission to Australia highlights a growing trend of U.S. states directly pursuing subnational foreign partnerships. “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,” Messer said.

The delegation’s agenda reflects a comprehensive approach—combining business, academia, and government—to solidify Michigan’s long-term competitiveness on the global stage.

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