Governor Granholm Says Investment Missions Bring Jobs, Diversify Economy

(Lansing, MI) – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said her overseas investment missions are bringing new businesses and jobs to Michigan.

"Since 2004, I've taken 10 investment missions to countries such as Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium and Japan," Granholm said.  "These missions have been part of my efforts to go anywhere and do anything to bring new investment and jobs to Michigan and to further diversify the state's economy."

"These missions have resulted in 48 international companies announcing almost $1.7 billion in new investment in Michigan and the creation or retention of more than 13,000 jobs," Granholm said.

The governor said Kostal Kontakt Systeme, part of the Kostal Group that is an independent German family-owned business, is the latest company to come to Michigan.  On Tuesday, Kostal was approved for a state tax credit by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority to build a new manufacturing facility in Rochester Hills for its solar connector systems.

"My investment mission this past April was to Germany and Italy," Granholm said.  "And when I was in Germany, I met with representatives of Kostal to make the case why Michigan was the best location for its new facility.  I touted our manufacturing infrastructure, our skilled workforce, our great natural resources and our quality of life.  So now Kostal is coming to Michigan and with it an estimated 642 jobs."

"Now through the end of the year, I'll continue working on diversifying our economy and creating jobs," Granholm said.  "And if I have to travel to Germany or any other spot on the globe to bring new investment and jobs to Michigan, I'll do it.  I'll do it, because every day, creating new jobs and a new Michigan economy remains our top priority."