Michigan’s foresight and innovation is building a strong, prosperous business ecosystem that is a perfect fit for UK-based companies considering entering the North American market. The state is among the most competitive US states for overall economic health, job creation and facing 21^st Century challenges:

• 13.9% gross domestic product growth in the last five years, outpacing the US rate
• 420,000 private sector jobs added since December 2010
• Detroit ranks 3rd in the US as a tech jobs “hotbed” according to Oregon Bureau of Economic Analysis

And that is just the beginning.

REINVENTED BUSINESS CLIMATE

Site Selection magazine ranks Michigan among the top seven states for major new corporate facilities and expansions for three years in a row. One of the catalysts fuelling this growth is a re-engineered, competitive business climate. This includes a streamlined flat 6% corporate income tax as well as elimination of personal property taxes paid on office and industrial equipment, saving businesses $500 million annually.

Michigan is also a Right-to-Work state, which means that employees are not required to join a union.

Now nearly two-thirds of Michigan businesses surveyed describe the state as having a positive business climate and would promote Michigan as a place to start a business.

MANUFACTURING MIGHT

Manufacturers help drive Michigan’s economy. As the home of Detroit – “the Motor City” – Michigan is the North American centre of automotive manufacturing. Global and domestic vehicle manufacturers have invested approximately $16 billion in the state in the past six years. This wealth of production capability accounts for an increase of 138,000 new manufacturing jobs since 2009.

While vehicles and related parts are the leading manufacturing sector, that is not the whole story. Michigan is also a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products, chemicals, plastics, rubber, wood and furniture products. PwC recently ranked Michigan No.2 in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.

WORLD-CLASS TALENT

Michigan ranks first among US states for concentration of electrical, mechanical and industrial engineers, and also boasts a 200,000-strong skilled trades workforce. The state’s 513,000 auto-related jobs represent 22% of the US automotive industry workforce.

A network of 15 public universities, 60-plus independent universities and colleges and 28 community colleges is producing the educated and skilled talent that advanced manufacturing and high-tech firms need for innovation  and growth. Michigan has notably made the nation’s largest skilled trades commitment, with $50 million invested in community college skilled trades equipment.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LEADER

More automotive research and development experts call Michigan home than any other state. The state’s engineering talent dominance, together with 5,000 industrial designers, lays the groundwork for technical and scientific innovation.

Michigan R&D centres represent more than 76% of US automotive R&D spending, and more automotive-related R&D is done in Michigan than the rest of North America combined.

Because of this concentration, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office chose Detroit for its first satellite office outside Washington, DC. The region is responsible for 25% of all automotive patents – 2.5 times more of any other state.

GATEWAY TO NORTH AMERICA

Located within 500 miles of half of the US and Canadian population and income, Michigan is a strategic entry point to the North American market. The state has nine international border crossings, 15 major international shipping ports, four Class-1 rail systems, 19 commercial airports, and is home to the world’s busiest trade border between Detroit and Windsor, Canada.

MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm, offering a number of business assistance services and capital programmes for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and talent enhancement. Working closely with local communities, MEDC will support your company’s needs by providing high quality information, services and connections for better decision making and successful project investments.