Troy-based Automation Alley’s Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center today announced its global trade program has passed $2 billion in export sales.
The sales, which are tracked by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) were made by state-based companies that went on Automation Alley trade missions and participated in other MEDC trade activities.
In addition, more than 10,000 jobs have been created or supported because of the trade activities over the past 22 years, according to metrics tracked for its role as a regional export network (REN) for the MEDC.
“The companies that participate in this program are often small manufacturers that have never been overseas on business trips,” says Tom Kelly, executive director and CEO of Automation Alley. “Through this program, we are able to set them up in conversations with organizations that are likely to be interested in what they do, which frequently leads to successful business relationships. We are very proud of the fantastic results this program has been able to deliver for Michigan companies and the jobs we have been able to create for the state of Michigan.”
The goal of Automation Alley’s trade program, supported by MEDC, is to help Michigan companies expand their products, services, and technologies globally into new, high-growth markets. Through Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP), eligible Michigan manufacturers have access to financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible Michigan small businesses.
“The MEDC’s International Trade Team celebrates Automation Alley’s remarkable milestone of $2 billion in new international sales,” said Alyssa Tracey, director of international trade for MEDC. “We are proud of our partnership with Automation Alley as we work together to make meaningful connections with businesses across the state to increase their international presence, sales and growth.”
Since the start of the trade program in 2001, Automation Alley has organized nearly 50 trade missions with nearly 500 participating companies and organizations to countries including China, Mexico, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and many more, as well as virtual missions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2008, the program has averaged $134 million in export sales and nearly 700 jobs created each year.
“Every time we go on a trade mission, we build relationships and gain knowledge from business and top government officials that provides Michigan and our business community with greater access to the global economy,” said Noel Nevshehir, director of international business services and global strategic partnerships for Automation Alley.
Automation Alley works with government organizations including MEDC’s foreign offices with support from U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service, to arrange in-country matchmaking meetings with potential business partners, buyers, and end users of the participating companies’ products, services, and technologies.
Prior to each mission, Automation Alley holds country-specific workshops to inform interested companies about the challenges and opportunities of doing business abroad.
Automation Alley’s International Business Services Team handles all mission-related planning and details before, during and after the mission, which includes hotel accommodations, internal transportation, matchmaking meetings, business briefings, welcome receptions, and cultural tours.
The organization is in the process of organizing two trade missions over the next six months in Mexico and India. There is a strong demand for Michigan-made products and technology in both countries. The group is sending a trade mission to Mexico from Oct. 15-20. The registration deadline is Aug. 15. To learn more and to register, visit here.
Automation Alley also is planning on sending a trade mission to India from Jan. 26-Feb. 3, 2024. The registration deadline is Nov. 10. To learn more, visit here.
