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Governor Doyle Promotes Wisconsin Companies in Japan
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2007 TOKYO - Governor Jim Doyle today met with top executives and business leaders at Sumitomo, Toshiba Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation to promote ongoing relationships with Wisconsin companies and encourage future investments in Wisconsin. Sumitomo has developed a strong business partnership with Milwaukee based Super Steel and Toshiba Corporation recently invested heavily in ReGENco of West Allis. "It's an honor to visit Japan to promote Wisconsin companies and encourage continued investment in our state," Governor Doyle said. "Expanding these important relationships is vital to the growth of Wisconsin businesses and will help our state remain the Midwest leader in manufacturing. I am confident these opportunities will allow us to continue creating jobs and growing our state's economy." Governor Doyle visited with each of these companies as a part of his 10 day trade mission to China and Japan. The Governor's delegation, comprised of Wisconsin leaders in business and government, is utilizing the visit to meet with distributors, potential customers, and key business and government officials. The Governor is also promoting investments by Japanese and Chinese companies in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle and his delegation, including Keith Trafton, President and CEO of Supersteel, met with executives at Sumitomo's Headquarters in Tokyo to discuss their strong relationship with Milwaukee based Super Steel. The Governor praised Sumitomo for their strong international relationship, saying it was a model for other companies to follow. The successful partnership between these two companies has delivered nearly 350 bi-level passenger cars to the Chicago Metra and Virgian Rail Express. Both companies are looking to build upon their past successes to access new markets and expand their output in the United States. The Governor was joined by John Bobrowich, President and CEO of ReGENcom at a meeting with executives of Toshiba's Corporate Headquarters in Tokyo. In April, Toshiba International Corporation purchased a majority stake in West Allis based ReGENco - one of the industry's largest independent steam and combustion turbine and generator repair organizations offering complete outage and emergency services. Wisconsin was instrumental in the formation of ReGENco in 1999, providing $750,000 in economic development assistance. The Governor also met Tuesday with Fujio Cho, Chairman of the Toyota Motor Corporation. Milwaukee based Johnson Controls has the exclusive supplier relationship with Toyota for inserting "interior components" for all Toyota vehicles. During his visit, the Governor thanked Toyota for its partnership with Wisconsin companies and leadership in advancing hybrid technology and advocacy for the development of new fuel efficient vehicles. -30- |
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