Highlights existing strengths in air transport, importance of trade with Canada and need for investment in infrastructure
DETROIT, Mich., September 12, 2012 – According to a study commissioned by Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), Michigan can grow its position as a logistics gateway by accelerating efforts to support and maintain its logistics base, increasing investments in infrastructure that support global product movement and identifying niche industry sectors to build upon.
“This study helped identify strategic priorities that would enhance Michigan’s ability to compete as a logistics center. It reaffirms that Michigan has numerous opportunities to grow its economy by exploiting its position as a global gateway and by investing in infrastructure that will improve product movement – especially with Canada, our number one trade partner, but also Europe and Asia,” said Doug Rothwell, President and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan. “Michigan’s proximity to Canada provides an advantage over Midwest competitors. By increasing the capacity and reliability of transport in southeast Michigan, particularly by further developing the airport and building a new international border crossing, we can help protect this existing industry base.”
Rothwell commented on the need to be competitive by improving key infrastructure for connections to important global markets and within the Midwest region, “Michigan is still an important manufacturing/supply chain player that is likely to sustain a substantial logistics business because of its manufacturing base. But there is an opportunity to grow our logistics industry by developing a business strategy that builds on its strength in air transport and identifies niche industries we can build upon.”
“Michigan can build on its strength as a passenger and air cargo hub to create an international business service hub” said Rothwell. “The Detroit Metro Airport hub, is considered to be an important global connection for the state’s economy, with the Grand Rapids and Lansing airports functioning as additional connections.”
See the attached for an Executive Summary of the study. It was compiled by Global Logistics Development Partners, Global Innovation Partners and Greyhill Advisors and included reviewing Michigan’s logistics system and interviewing industry stakeholders, local policy makers, shippers, and the logistics industry.
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