Time for a big, splashy press conference. Jimmy Hoffa is stealing the headlines.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has won commitments from at least eight Japanese firms to invest $85 million in Michigan, creating 402 jobs, and laid the groundwork for more deals during a three-day trade visit to Japan.
"We are in Japan to build stronger relationships with business leaders and bring jobs home to Michigan," Granholm said in a statement.
JTETK, a partnership of Toyoda Machinery and Koyo Seiko, will expand its facilities in Plymouth.
Takao Metals, one of Honda Motor Co.'s suppliers that has an engineering facility in Wixom, is investing in a new facility in Canton Township.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America will locate a facility in Wixom, while Mitsui Chemical will consolidate its regional production in Adrian, transferring jobs from its plant in Indiana.
The investments announced Wednesday total $51 million.
On Monday, the governor's office announced investments totaling $34 million from Konica Minolta Holdings, heavy electrical equipment maker Meiden America, seating manufacturer Taichi-S and Shikoku Cable Co.
Granholm also met with executives of Toyota Motor Corp. and its major suppliers Aisin and Denso -- all of which have a presence in the state.
Granholm is also asking Toyota to choose Michigan as the site of the automaker's next North American plant. The automaker is looking at Michigan and other states.
This was tucked away in the DN business section- and not mentioned at all in the Free Press. (or, at least on the "front page" of their web site)
Maybe it's too soon and I'm just ahead of the curve a little bit. Need more press!