Trade mission provides direct connections to clients, suppliers and partners in a top global manufacturing center

, /PRNewswire/ -- Automation Alley, Michigan's Digital Transformation Insight Center, is now accepting applications for its Nov. 8-13 trade mission to Mexico, a trip that will link Michigan companies with potential clients, strategic partners and fresh business prospects in one of the world's premier manufacturing regions.

As manufacturers adjust to shifting supply chains and a transforming North American trade landscape, the mission will assist Michigan companies in grasping the Mexican market, forging strategic ties and spotting new growth avenues.

The journey coincides with Mexico's rising significance in North American manufacturing. As the United States' top trading partner, Mexico presents major chances for Michigan firms in automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, information technology, cybersecurity, energy and healthcare.

"Michigan companies possess world-class technology, talent and manufacturing know-how, yet expansion now hinges on their capacity to vie globally," said Tom Kelly, executive director and CEO of Automation Alley. "Mexico ranks among our key trading partners and forms a vital element of North America's manufacturing network. Our trade missions enable firms to cultivate relationships, gain deeper insight into global markets and engage directly with customers and partners positioned to expand their operations."

The trade mission targets small and medium-sized Michigan companies aiming to grow internationally. Attendees will gain tailored, pre-screened B2B sessions with qualified partners, market perspectives from local trade experts, a pre-mission business overview, networking events, and on-site assistance from Automation Alley and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The forthcoming trade mission extends the achievements of Automation Alley's prior international efforts to Querétaro, Mexico and Paris, where participating Michigan companies bolstered their worldwide footprint, engaged qualified decision-makers and uncovered new expansion paths through targeted business matchmaking.

Firms involved in the recent Querétaro trade mission noted substantial business results and valuable links in Mexico's automotive and aerospace fields.

"Through the trade mission approach guided by Automation Alley and MEDC, Centracore markedly enhanced its brand visibility in Mexico's aerospace industry via meetings closely matched to our strategic goals and offering direct engagement with qualified decision-makers," said Fernanda Pérez, of Centracore, who leads New Business Development for North America.

Automation Alley has supported Michigan companies in global competition for over twenty years. Since 2001, the group has directed 55 trade missions to 23 countries, producing $2.4 billion in export revenue and aiding the creation of more than 12,000 Michigan jobs. Via its international business development work, Automation Alley has also assisted 59 international companies from 20 countries in establishing a Michigan base and hosted 154 foreign delegations exploring partnership and investment options across the state.

Participation is capped at 10 Michigan companies. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2026, or until capacity is reached.

To learn more or apply for the trade mission, contact Lisa Lasser, Automation Alley's manager of international business services, at pr@automationalley.com or 248-457-3283, or visit automationalley.com.

About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and Digital Transformation Insight Center that helps businesses in Michigan and beyond grow through innovation, automation and digital transformation. By connecting industry, academia and government, Automation Alley fosters collaboration, delivers practical programs and resources, and equips organizations with the skills, insights and tools to adopt a software-first mindset powered by automation, AI and other emerging technologies. Learn more about membership, programs and events at automationalley.com.

SOURCE Automation Alley