LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is heading to Europe for the second time this year.

The governor’s office says Whitmer’s trade mission to Germany is focused on strengthening the state’s defense footprint and drawing new international investment. During the trip, she visited RENK Group, where she joined CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel to announce the company’s plans to expand its Michigan operations.

The expansion calls for a $70 million investment in capital improvements and another $100 million in research and development in Michigan by 2030. According to Whitmer, the project is expected to create about 300 jobs statewide.

Last month, Whitmer traveled to Switzerland on another “investment mission.” In 2025, the governor made several international trips to Japan, Singapore, the UAE, Australia, and Spain. In September 2025, Whitmer jetted overseas again as Michigan lawmakers pressed up against a budget deadline.