Tokyo – Governor Mike Pence today expressed gratitude to Japanese companies and business leaders, noting the importance of building economic and cultural relations between the two states during a speech at the opening ceremony of the 47th Annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference.
“In 2013, when it was time for our Indiana team to select the location for our first international jobs mission, the choice was clear,†said Pence. “We traveled to Japan, meeting with business and community leaders in Tokyo, Nagoya and Tochigi Prefecture, our sister state. And while traveling across your nation, I discovered that the roots of our relationship extend beyond our shared values and mutual respect. Indiana and Japan’s relationship finds its strength in friendship.â€
The Governor thanked Japanese friends of Indiana from companies like Honda, Toyota and Subaru, which he met with while in Japan in 2013. Pence cited the state’s ongoing commitment to the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference as evidence of Indiana’s dedication to growing the economic and cultural relationship between the two states. The Hoosier State has the largest state delegation at this year’s conference, marking the 30th anniversary of Indiana’s participation.
“As friends, Indiana and Japan have shared the joys and struggles of growing our businesses and economies together,†Pence continued. “When I say our Hoosier economy is driving forward, I mean speeding. With the help of Japanese companies, today more Hoosiers are employed than at any time in our state’s history. We reached this historic milestone in Indiana in part because of your friendship, and because you’ve had the confidence that Indiana is a state that works for your business.â€
Following his remarks, Pence continued this theme of friendship between Indiana and Japan, meeting with representatives from Honda Motor Company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi Ltd. and thanking them for doing business in the Hoosier State. Established in Greensburg in 2006, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana is one of the company’s eight assembly plants in North America and produces the Civic Sedan, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas. The company employs more than 2,000 Hoosiers and in April, celebrated its one millionth car built at the plant.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries operates Mitsubishi Climate Controls (MCC) and Mitsubishi Engine North America (MENA) in Franklin. In 2012, MENA announced plans to invest $10.8 million to locate its first turbocharger plant on MCC’s campus, and in May, celebrated the opening of its 10,700-square-foot expansion.
Governor Pence and members of the Indiana delegation then met with representatives from Hitachi, one of the largest Japanese multinational conglomerate companies with 11 diverse business segments. The company has 10 subsidiary operations in Indiana, including facilities in Plainfield, New Albany, Greensburg and Anderson. Executives from the company’s consulting division gave the delegation a look into its future, showcasing its latest research and design efforts focused on advancing technology in the energy and health care sectors.
