U.S. Senator Slotkin to Join Discussion on Michigan Manufacturing’s Leadership in National Security

(SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 19, 2025) — SME, the nonprofit committed to building and expanding North America's talent and capabilities and accelerating advanced manufacturing technologies, will host “Michigan’s Role in America’s Defense,” a forward-thinking discussion at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, the premier statewide policy event.

The session, on Thursday, May 29th at 8:45 a.m., will feature prominent government, economic, and manufacturing leaders to outline how Michigan can build on its legacy as the "arsenal of democracy" and its vital role in the future of national security capabilities through innovation, technological advancement, and workforce development.

SME Executive Director and CEO Jeannine Kunz will host the session, beginning with a discussion with Featured Speaker United States Senator Elissa Slotkin, a national leader on defense and manufacturing policy.

Adding critical perspectives from both a defense sector employer and leader from the state’s office of economic development, the following panelists will join the conversation:

• Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab Inc. — strategically located in Michigan, contributing investment to the local advanced defense manufacturing sector
• Colonel (Ret.) John Gutierrez, executive director, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

“Michigan is pivotal to fortifying our nation’s defense industrial base," said Jeannine Kunz, executive director and CEO of SME. "This panel goes beyond discussion, it is a call to action for the state and industrial leaders to harness talent, accelerate innovation, and drive the technological progress essential for sustaining and expanding this critical sector.”

The panel underscores SME’s broader commitment to advancing manufacturing in driving economic competitiveness, resiliency and national security.

As one of the few states with a deep history in both automotive and defense, Michigan is uniquely positioned to contribute to re-shoring, industrial modernization, and future-ready workforce strategies.

For more information on the Mackinac Policy Conference, visit the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference Agenda.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.