MIBA Hosts Israeli Company Considering Michigan
Written by Bernard Bourgeois, MIBA Managing Director – Business Development and
Dan Ryan, MIBA Defense and Aerospace Advisor
Capture Systems (CS), a manufacturer of mobile communication pods, mobile weapon controls, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) for defense and homeland security applications, visited southeast Michigan in May to experience Michigan defense ecosystem firsthand and to gain a better understanding of the resources the MIBA and its partners can deliver to help them succeed. Read more about their visit here.
The MIBA’s Defense and Aerospace lead, Dan Ryan, curated an impactful 2 days of meetings and site visits designed to give Capture Systems a well-rounded view of doing business in Michigan and the US and to present CS with the answer to the question “Why Michigan?” After receiving an overview of the vibrant local Jewish community, Butzel Long provided an incredible amount of legal information regarding rules/guidelines for incorporating the US operation; Cybersecurity & International Trade & Arms Regulations (ITAR); financial reporting; immigration regulations; employment law; and government contracting. The Detroit Regional Partnership summarized the compelling value-proposition offered by locating in SE Michigan, including our highly skilled workforce, numerous world-class educational institutions, Michigan’s great business climate, and our quality of life. MIBA Board member Mike Dergis offered tips for recruiting top talent and a summary of prevailing salaries.
The Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation highlighted the huge aerospace/defense presence in Michigan, which was further emphasized by Macomb County Planning & Economic Director Jack Johns. The National All Domain Warfighting Center (Camp Grayling) is a unique Michigan resource for testing and demonstrating CS hardware; Velocity Management Solutions provided an overview of the process for participating in future demonstrations. Two service providers, Sequoia (engineering design) and Quick Strike Sourcing (supply chain management) helped CS to understand that they don’t need a full staff on Day 1 – they can rely on local partners as the business gets established.
Day one concluded with visits to three relevant businesses: Rafael, a large Israeli defense prime that recently opened an operation in the Defense Corridor offered advice on locations selection; Mettle Ops is a local manufacturer of quad-rotor drones offers motor technology that can be used by CS; and Roush Defense shared a summary of their manufacturing expertise.
Day two consisted of several site visits to see various properties in the area that could be the future North American headquarters of Capture Systems.
Capture Systems returned to Israel impressed with Michigan and facing lots of homework as they assess their options. We look forward to welcoming them as the latest defense company to call Michigan home!
