This April, the Detroit Regional Partnership engaged with business leaders both in-region and across the U.S., focusing on industries that continue to shape the future of advanced manufacturing, mobility, and technology.
The team attended AeroDef in Boston, where it was clear that momentum in the defense and advanced air mobility space continues to build. The conference provided an opportunity to stay close to industry trends and connect with companies thinking about their next move in the U.S. Conversations throughout the event reinforced how the Detroit Region is positioned to support the industry’s growth, from deep engineering talent to world-class manufacturing capabilities. DRP is also seeing that translate into real wins– Rheinmetall’s recent expansion in Auburn Hills is a great example of how the region can compete for and land complex defense projects.
DRP’s Colton Dale with our partner at Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Jacqueline Young
DRP also attended Battery Show South in North Carolina, where discussions reflected the continued shift happening across the industry. The growing focus on broader energy storage applications continues, with companies evaluating how that shift impacts their future footprint. For Michigan, this plays directly to the state’s strength, with many existing battery manufacturers looking to transition their facilities to the growth of battery storage and develop their supply chain. The event gave us a chance to reconnect with active prospects and reinforce why the Detroit Region remains a strong choice for companies looking to scale.
This month, Detroit hosted two major events, SAE World Congress and SEMIEXPO Heartland. Holding these conferences in the Detroit Region is incredibly valuable because they bring global companies and decision-makers directly to the region, creating in-person opportunities that are hard to replicate elsewhere. During the week, the team had the chance to engage with delegations from Korea and China, sharing the Detroit Region’s story and highlighting the assets that support growth across mobility, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These moments matter, and they continue to build the relationships that lead to future investment.
While the market continues to move in a positive direction, the DRP’s consistent engagement and strong positioning are more important than ever as we work to convert opportunities into long-term investment for the Detroit Region.
