The Michigan chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association today announced the details of the Michigan Defense Exposition, a military promotion and networking event running through April 27. The eighth annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Macomb Community College Expo Center and will feature representatives from the U.S. Army TACOM, TARDEC, ACC, and 13 Israeli companies.
More than 2,000 people from around the world are expected to attend the event, which will also include hundreds of displays in the sports and expo center, a VIP reception, presentations by Prime Boulevard, Resource Row, Depot Drive, and Planet M Mobility. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, Ann Cataldo, deputy assistant secretary for defense exports and cooperation, and Kevin Fahey, vice president of combat vehicles and armaments for Cypress International will also be speaking at the event.
Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Michigan Israeli Business Bridge (MIBB), Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) Defense Center, and the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) today announced that 13 Israeli companies, representing the robotics, autonomous systems, armed vehicles, and Homeland Security solutions industries will lead a formal Defense Industrial mission to strengthen cooperation between defense authorities in Michigan and Israel, as well as encourage joint production of technology in the United States.
On Wednesday, MAMA is hosting a continental breakfast networking reception in the MAMA MDEX Pavilion starting at 8:30 a.m. “This is an excellent opportunity for (attendees) to meet with representatives from (13) major Israeli defense firms who are actively seeking parts suppliers, strategic allies, and business collaborations with Michigan companies,” says Gavin Brown, MAMA’s executive director.
The Israeli companies include IAI, Magam, Elmo, ARI/Amstaf, Ashot Ashkelon Industries, MER Group, Plasan, Tamor, Rafael, RT LTA Systems, and Smartshooter. Companies with Michigan locations at the event will include the Piston Group, BAE Systems, Am General, General Dynamics, Navistar, Oshkosh, Butzel Long, and more. Military groups like TARDEC and TACOM, both based in Warren, will be on hand, as well.
“Michigan’s economy continues to strengthen and offers tremendous opportunities to Israel’s many defense companies,” says Steve Arwood, CEO of the MEDC. “We look forward to working collaboratively with public, private and governmental partners to raise awareness and implement innovative solutions to complex defense issues.”
More information about the defense expo can be found here. To register for the MAMA breakfast, visit here.
