FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to Switzerland, Meeting Defense Industry Leaders and Representing Michigan at World Economic Forum
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer began an investment mission to Switzerland, strengthening Michigan’s global partnerships to attract new investment and position the state as a premier destination for growth in advanced manufacturing, defense, and high-tech industries.
“Michigan is open for business, and we’re continuing to compete and win on the global stage,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m excited to tell Michigan’s story this week and build relationships directly with global leaders at the World Economic Forum. On issues like innovation, workforce talent, and manufacturing, we are building a bright future and making a difference for Michiganders. We’re creating opportunity and helping workers get the skills they need for good-paying jobs. We’re building vibrant communities with bustling main streets and downtowns. I’ll keep working with anyone to grow our economy, strengthen our defense and manufacturing industries, and help more families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
As part of the mission, Governor Whitmer will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, where global leaders from business, government, and academia convene to shape the future of the global economy. Governor Whitmer will deliver an address to the Global Lighthouse Network and join two panels, “Can EVs Really Dominate?” and “A Conversation with U.S. Governors.” Additionally, she will hold a press conference with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called “Closing the Manufacturing Talent Gap in the U.S. and Beyond” where she will discuss Michigan’s efforts to invest in higher education and skilled trades, including Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
A livestream feed is available here.
The governor’s engagement at WEF underscores Michigan’s role in global supply chains and its leadership in sectors critical to national and economic security, including defense, aerospace, advanced mobility, and clean energy. Michigan’s defense industry, anchored by a highly skilled workforce, robust manufacturing infrastructure, and strong ties to the U.S. Department of Defense, is a central focus of meetings throughout the mission. By maintaining a strong presence at WEF, Michigan elevates its profile, competes directly with other global regions for investment, and ensures the state’s voice is heard in conversations shaping the future of industry, trade, and innovation.
While in Switzerland, the governor will meet with senior executives, investors, and industry leaders to showcase Michigan’s competitive advantages and build relationships that can translate into jobs and long-term investment back home. These meetings will focus on expanding company footprints in Michigan, attracting new foreign direct investment, and reinforcing Michigan’s position as a trusted partner in global defense and security supply chains.
Joining Governor Whitmer on this investment mission is Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
“Michigan has one of the most diverse and resilient economies in the nation, and our defense and advanced manufacturing strengths are powerful draws for international partners,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “These investment missions allow us to present our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy to business decision-makers in critical markets and global government leaders who are actively considering places like Michigan to expand, innovate, and invest. With the continued federal policy focus on accelerating foreign direct investment into the US, Team Michigan’s presence in Switzerland and at WEF is about turning relationships into results for Michigan employers, workers and communities.”
Switzerland is home to a strong concentration of global companies in advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, and life sciences, industries that align closely with Michigan’s strategic economic priorities. Switzerland is Michigan’s ninth largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and since 2019, nine Swiss companies have launched at ten FDI projects in the state, including Forming, Gerber Products, and Kuehne + Nagel, totaling $18.71 million in capital investment and creating 255 jobs.
The Switzerland investment mission is part of Michigan’s broader strategy to attract global investment, support existing employers, and grow key industries that power the state’s economy and national security.
This investment mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan.
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