Automation Alley seeks Michigan companies for its upcoming trade mission to China and Thailand

Informational meeting set for May 7; deadline to register for trade mission is June 28

TROY, Mich. — Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, is seeking small and medium-sized Michigan businesses to join its trade mission to China and Thailand, Sept. 13-20. Participation is limited to 10 companies. The deadline to register is June 28.

Automation Alley’s award-winning trade mission program leads Michigan companies to international locales, introducing small to medium-size businesses to new high-growth markets and opportunities to expand and diversify their product, service and technology offerings abroad. These missions are results-driven and have generated over $1.2 billion in export sales for local companies while creating 6,400 local jobs (direct and indirect).

The upcoming trade mission, supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will include stops in the thriving markets of Ghangzhou and Shenzhen, China and Bangkok, Thailand, where companies will attend pre-arranged matchmaking meetings with potential business partners, buyers and end users of their products, services and technologies.

Trade missions include five-star hotels, in-country transportation, matchmaking meetings, interpreters, inter-country flights, business briefings and a U.S. Embassy reception.

“Our trade missions offer a significant savings to companies doing business abroad, and we take care of the planning and details before, during and after the mission. We help you meet the right people, save time and money and get results,” said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley’s director of International Business Services and Industry 4.0 Partnerships.

Automation Alley received the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service (2013) and the President’s “E” Award for Export Service (2008), the nation’s highest and most prestigious awards granted to export service providers in recognition of significant contributions to increasing American exports.

The cost to participate is $3,600 for Automation Alley members and $4,600 for non-members and may be subject to change based on availability. International airfare is not included. Be sure to ask us about the State Trade Expansion Promotion Program (STEP) to see if your company qualifies for funding.

As a precursor to the trade mission, Automation Alley will host Doing Business in China and Thailand on Tuesday, May 7 at its Troy Headquarters. Companies interested in joining the trade mission or those interested in learning more about market entry strategies should attend. The event will include a lineup of international business experts discussing the changing dynamics of doing business globally, including manufacturing trends and fiscal and legal reforms. The event will also include case studies and information on industry sectors with a high demand for Michigan-made products, services and technologies.

About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is a nonprofit manufacturing and technology business association and Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. We connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. We offer programs, resources and knowledge to help our members grow and prosper in the digital age.

Our Mission
The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and make strategic decisions during a time of rapid technological change.