Day 3: Governor Pence Advances Economic Ties with Japan, Announces New Hoosier Jobs

Pence Welcomes Former Vice President Dan Quayle, Sister-State Gov. Fukuda to Friends of Indiana Reception

Tokyo – Governor Mike Pence continued his jobs mission in Tokyo today, meeting with Japanese business executives and government leaders and announcing results of the state’s efforts to attract Japan investment to Indiana.

This morning, the Governor joined executives from Mitsubishi Corporation and its Hoosier subsidiary, Indiana Packers Corporation, which processes pork and bacon for the United States, Japan and Mexico. During his visit, the company announced plans to invest $40.6 million to expand its operations in Delphi, creating up to 91 new Hoosier jobs. 

“International companies like Indiana Packers Corporation are choosing to locate and grow in the Hoosier State because they recognize the benefits of our low-cost, low-tax business climate,” said Pence. “Since leading my first jobs mission to Japan in 2013, more than 18 Japan-owned companies have announced plans to create 2,500 new jobs in Indiana. And, in light of recent conversations with executives here in Japan, I anticipate even more jobs announcements in the coming months as a result this trade mission.”

Governor Pence also met with executives from Mitsui Kinzoku Act, Subaru and Marubeni – one of Japan’s five largest trading companies – to discuss future opportunities for growth and new investment in the Hoosier State. Mitsu Kinzoku is the parent company of GECOM in Greensburg, which employs approximately 1,600 associates, while Lafayette is home to Subaru’s only assembly plant located outside of Japan, accounting for more than 3,800 Hoosier jobs.

In the afternoon, the Governor visited the headquarters of Japan’s largest business association, Keidanren, which has nearly 1,500 members representing Japanese companies, nationwide industrial associations and regional economic organizations. This summer, Keidanren sent a delegation of 21 high-ranking business leaders to Indianapolis, where they met with representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Japan-America Society of Indiana, Eli Lilly & Company, Purdue University, Ice Miller LLP, Indiana University and the Indy Chamber.

“With Japanese businesses thriving in all corners of the state, Indiana’s economy is growing at a record rate thanks to the continued commitment to job creation from your companies,” said Governor Pence. “We’re proud to stand as partners in growth for Japanese businesses, which today support 52,000 Hoosier jobs, and have been key in helping us reach the milestone of record Hoosier employment.”

Pence then traveled to the National Diet Building in Tokyo, which hosts sessions of Japan’s House of Representatives and House of Councillors, to meet with the honorable Hirofumi Nakasone and discuss ongoing opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Indiana and Japan. Nakasone is a Japanese politician and former Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In the evening, Governor Pence and First Lady Karen Pence hosted a Friends of Indiana reception, welcoming special guests Dan Quayle, the 44th vice president of the United States and a former U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator in Indiana, as well as Governor Tomikazu Fukuda, the governor of Tochigi Prefecture, Indiana’s sister state. The Governor and First Lady also welcomed representatives from Eli Lilly Japan as well as executives from Japanese companies with operations or investment in Indiana such as Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, KYB and Keihin.

 

“Over the decades, Hoosiers and the Japanese people have worked together as friends, sharing the joys of growing our businesses and economies together,” said Pence, addressing the reception. “And today, there is so much to celebrate. Surrounded by leaders like Vice President Quayle and Governor Fukuda, along with executives of Japan’s leading businesses, I’m honored to be back in Japan and witness the results of the ‘kizuna’ [a special bond] between our two great states. For your commitment to this relationship, I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the great state of Indiana.”