Automation Alley Trade Mission Participants Win $188M In Biz, Export Sales
TROY -- The international business services unit of Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, announced that as a result of recent Southeast Michigan trade activities in Brazil, new business and export sales for Automation Alley's trade mission participants now total $188 million, an increase of $22 million.
The total contracts secured by participants have created 1,044 new jobs, both direct and indirect, for Southeast Michigan.
"It's remarkable what our International Business Services team continues to achieve," said Automation Alley executive director Ken Rogers. "A 12 percent increase in new business for American-made goods and the creation or support of 127 new jobs for our region -- both resulting from our trade missions -- are only the most recent successes. I encourage companies to explore the possibility of going on one of our trade missions. You can help grow your business globally as well as become business ambassadors for Southeast Michigan."
Automation Alley led a trade mission for eight local companies to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil in May. Brazil is identified as a strong emerging market, one that has drawn the attention of Michigan businesses. With the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in Brazil, there's a new sense of urgency contributing to accelerated business deals.
The goal of all Automation Alley trade missions is to promote Michigan exports overseas. International Business Services strives to ensure this aim is met by providing a well-rounded trade mission experience. Missions include tours, a fine hotel, breakfast briefings and matching meetings for participating companies. Participants are exposed to as much of the business and cultural aspects of the country as possible.
Automation Alley has conducted 15 trade missions since 2001.
According to the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, for every $1 billion in U.S. exports, 6,250 manufacturing jobs are created or supported. For every $180,000 in U.S. exports, one job is created.
Automation Alley's International Business Services team is preparing for an upcoming international mission to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar set for November and a domestic mission to the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. in October.
Located at Automation Alley Headquarters in Troy, the International Business Center opened its doors in April 2011. In the last year, Automation Alley has attracted six high-tech companies to Southeast Michigan, resulting in the creation of 365 new jobs. Companies from Canada, China, Germany, Israel, Italy and Luxembourg have found a home in the IBC's soft landing space as they explored or continue to explore business opportunities in the region.
For more information on Automation Alley trade missions or the International Business Center, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com, or visit www.automationalley.com.
