NAGOYA, JAPAN - Following meetings on the third and final day of her investment mission here, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced 10 companies are seriously considering expansions or looking at starting operations in Michigan for the first time.  The companies the governor met with included those in the automotive, life sciences and alternative energy industries.

"I am extremely pleased the legislature approved the energy package during our mission," Granholm said.  "Having a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a strong selling point in making a business case for Michigan, and helps us lay the groundwork for investment and job creation in the alternative energy sector.  Our skilled workforce and new economic development tools are also powerful in helping to persuade global companies to invest in Michigan."   

During the three-day investment mission, the governor traveled to three cities and met with 22 companies that have locations or are considering investments in Michigan or those primed for international investment.  MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito accompanied Granholm on the mission.

The governor met today with President Katsuaki Watanabe of Toyota Motor Company as well as executives of Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Boshoku, Terumo Corporation, Sharp and Howa Textile.  Granholm had the opportunity to visit a hospital near Nagoya to see the artificial heart and lung machine produced by Terumo at their Ann Arbor facility in action.  The company assured the governor that they will need to hire more than 100 additional workers in Ann Arbor over the next three years as they continue to grow and expand.  An executive from Howa Textile also confirmed to the governor that they would be expanding their R&D facility in Novi to accommodate additional business demand.

Yesterday's schedule included meetings with executives of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Automotive Energy Supply Co., Yorozu Corporation, Denso, Tokai Rika and Aisin.  On Wednesday Granholm talked with executives of Nissan, Hitachi, Konica-Minolta, Meiden, Honda, Keihin, Sekisui Chemical, Tokyo Electric, parent company of Eurus Energy America, Mazda and Hino Motors. 
 
"This mission provided an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with decision makers and sell Michigan as the best place in North America to do business," Epolito said.  "Companies are impressed with our efforts to transform our economy and the new and improved business tools we now have in place.  They are excited about the opportunity to grow and do business here."  

Granholm's six previous investment missions since 2004 to Germany, Austria, Sweden and Japan have resulted in 37 companies announcing more than $826 million in new investment, creating or retaining more than 9,000 jobs.