TOKYO, Japan (September 13, 2007) - Governor Mitch Daniels and a state delegation of nearly 70 business, elected and community leaders wrapped up a weeklong trade mission to Japan Thursday with a day devoted mostly to discussions with companies that may one day insource jobs to Indiana.
"Just as the early part of the trip was packed with meetings with high-level executives who lead companies that already do business in Indiana, the last two days have been dominated by prospects," said Daniels.
The governor said an agreement for a new project in Indiana has been reached with one new company, and an announcement is expected in several weeks. He met with six prospective companies during the trade mission.
Daniels also thanked Mr. Yoshiyuki Takada, chairman of SMC Corporation, and other company leaders, for their new Indiana investment during a luncheon meeting. SMC Corporation of America announced just two weeks ago that it would relocate its North American headquarters in Noblesville and build an 825,000 square-foot facility next year to house the headquarters and its primary engineering, manufacturing and distribution center. The company designs and manufactures pneumatic production automation systems and employs more than 12,000 associates worldwide.
Daniels said the presence of so many Indiana delegates in Japan this week stretched the state's reach far beyond the contacts he personally was able to make. Indiana delegates have traveled throughout the country to do business with current and potential customers.
"Not only does it show that Indiana is more serious than other states, but when you consider the meetings that mayors and other business delegates have had, it multiplies the number of contacts," said the governor.
Daniels stressed that when a delegation the size of Indiana's travels to Japan, its presence is valuable and makes a positive impact on Japanese businesses when they make decisions about their U.S. operations.
More than 220 Japanese companies have invested more than $8.7 billion in Indiana. Those companies employ more than 42,000 Hoosiers. Since 2005, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has completed 28 competitive projects with Japanese businesses, making Indiana the top state in jobs and investment captured.
"We've worked hard to create a welcoming environment that is positive for Japanese companies and we're grateful so many have chosen to make their home with us," said Daniels. "Indiana has set itself apart, and many companies see the state as a destination of choice."
The final event of the trip was a Friends of Indiana reception at a Japanese baseball game. Delegates had one more opportunity to make business contacts with Japanese companies invited to the event.
-30-
Photos from the governor's trade mission to Japan and audio clips from radio interviews the governor has conducted during his trip are available here: http://www.in.gov/gov/3031.htm
« Back to News Release List
Link to this event: