For European businesses considering investing and locating in the U.S., Mississippi should be your first choice.
When it comes to international business, Mississippi is a great place to be. Known as the “Center of the Americas”, Mississippi’s proximity to major North and South American markets gives it a strategic edge. Foreign trade zones, excellent port facilities, superb distribution channels and special international business programs make doing business even easier.
With a strong workforce and solid infrastructure, Mississippi has a reputation for delivering on time and under budget. Combine those characteristics with a central location and pro-business attitude, and Mississippi stands out as the best choice for your new location or expansion project.
Mississippi understands the needs of European companies looking for a highly adaptable and trainable workforce. Public and private partnerships in Mississippi ensure that European investment and corporate culture will be welcomed across the state.
Companies seeking sites will find an abundance of land available in industrial and technology parks throughout the state.
Workforce
Toyota emphasized Mississippi’s workforce and partnerships when it announced its decision in February 2007 to build a 2,000-worker automotive manufacturing facility in the state.
“On my visits to Northern Mississippi, I have talked with area companies and observed their workforce,” said Toyota manufacturing Executive Vice President Ray Tanguay. “What I observed were people who are educated, ethical and friendly with a strong work ethic – a perfect match for the Toyota Way.”
He added that the area’s existing companies had high praise for the workforce. “They were definitely the best sales people.”
The State’s team approach to working with investors to simplify the location process helps to expedite projects. Tanguay recognized the contributions of the team who worked on bringing Toyota’s fifth vehicle assembly plant to the U.S., citing the team effort put forth by state and local officials and the private sector. “The partnership of all of these groups was instrumental to our decision, including the creation of a new rail district to provide competitive rail access for the plant," said Tanguay.
Transportation
Historically, Mississippi’s location has been enhanced by waterborne commerce. Today, a first-class transportation system composed of highways, railways and airports, in addition to deep water and inland river ports, allows the movements of goods quickly and efficiently anywhere in the world.
Mississippi’s central location in the United States and its exceptional transportation network create the perfect environment for warehousing and distribution throughout the Southeastern United States, the nation, and the world. Companies like BMW have chosen to locate warehouse and distribution centers in the state.