Expansion Management

Michigan Looks to India to Boost Economic Development

Oct. 6, 2015

Key exports to India include chemicals, machinery, computer and electronic products and transportation equipment.

India is an important market for the State of Michigan. In 2014 the State exported exported $296.7 million in goods and materials to India.

Key exports to India include chemicals, machinery, computer and electronic products and transportation equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.

And Indian companies are locating in the state as well. There are 44 Indian-owned companies in Michigan that employ more than 3,596 across the state.

Given the continued growth potential, Lt. Gov Brian Calley led a delegation of state and business leaders on a trade mission to India last week.

“We will be delivering the message that Michigan is more business-friendly than ever and the best state in the North American market to compete and grow while creating jobs,” Calley said.

Calley addressed the India-Michigan Global Summit, a new initiative launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to bring business and government together to create business opportunities for Michigan companies in the India market and drive increased Indian foreign direct investment into Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing industries.

He will also meet with executives from Indian automotive companies as well as Michigan companies with operations in India. The trip also will include meetings with Indian automotive suppliers.

Five Michigan companies seeking to sell their products and services in the Indian market joined the trade mission. The companies will be participating in meetings with prospective customers, distributors and strategic partners.

The participating companies are:

Argo BioMedical – Repair services of patient monitoring equipment for hospitals, surgical centers and private practices

FutureNet Group – Infrastructure, security, construction, IT and other services to various governments

Hosco Fittings – Finishing system components manufacturer

Managed Programs – Global product development company focused on design, engineering and manufacturing of plastic components for automotive and other industries

Orion Test Systems – Global supplier of testing solutions for laboratory and production test machinery

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.