The French presence in Michigan began with the founding of Detroit by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701. The French influence can be seen today in many cities, street and place names and in the strong presence of a number of French cultural and business organizations.

Approximately 145 French automotive subsidiaries are located in Michigan with many having additional offices here (source: Business France). Included among these are the well-recognized names of many large French companies, such as Faurecia, Hutchinson, Delmia and Dassault, Valeo, and Plastic Omnium. Additionally, there are many other French companies engaged in varied fields including aerospace, retail, luxury goods, food and wine products, advanced technology, and medical products.

New French companies are establishing themselves in Michigan with regularity in order to take advantage of the favorable location, skilled workforce, extensive research university resources, international airport with direct flights to France, China and virtually all important commercial cities of the world, and affordable living costs.