More than US$3.1 billion has been invested by Michelin North America since 2011 on manufacturing capacity and infrastructure and other developmentsin support of its sustainable growth strategies.
Michelin North America currently employs nearly 23,000 people, operating 20 major manufacturing plants (16 in the United States, three in Canada, one in Mexico).
“Michelin has invested billions of dollars and created tens of thousands of jobs since arriving in North America more than 40 years ago,” said Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America, the Greenville, S.C.-based regional unit of Michelin Group (CompagnieGénérale des Etablissements Michelin), the global tyre leader with headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
“Michelin North America’s long-term business priorities will remain focused on investments in manufacturing and operations infrastructure, as well as the people of Michelin who drive innovation,” Selleck said. “Their ingenuity and work ethic are responsible for many of the technology innovations that have transformed the tyre industry, resulting in better mobility for all.”
Here is a summary of Michelin North America’s recent highlights in the United States, Canada and Mexico:
United States
Growth and expansion in the United States comprised approximately US$2.8 billion of Michelin North America’s total investment over the past five years. Michelin employs more than 18,000 people in 16 major manufacturing sites in the United States.
South Carolina, where Michelin North America’s headquarters is located, represented approximately US$2.1 billion, or about two-thirds, of the company’s total capital investment in the five-year period. Michelin North America operates 10 major manufacturing sites in South Carolina.
Michelin brand is the distinguished choice for exclusive original-equipment tyres on many of the iconic, most recognisable high-performance automobiles launched in North America. Since 1989, Michelin has earned 80 top rankings from J.D. Power and Associates for original-equipment customer satisfaction, over four times more than all other tyre brands combined. More recently, the company also has introduced or expanded Michelin’s award-winning Pilot, Defender and Premier passenger-tyre lines; reinvigorated the stalwart BFGoodrich Tires brand with the All-Terrain T/A KO2, Comp2 A/S and Rival tyre lines; and commercialized production of the revolutionary Michelin X Tweel Airless Radial Tire. In the heavy-truck category, the company has introduced new tyres under the BFGoodrich and Uniroyal brands, extended the Michelin X Line Energy series, and also launched a new suite of services for fleets and operators.
Canada
Michelin has invested more than US$302.8 million in Canada over the past five years across three manufacturing sites.
Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. has introduced the category-leading X-Ice Xi3 winter tyre in addition to in-country launches of Michelin’s Defender and Premier lines, as well as BFGoodrich’s KO2, Comp2 A/S and Rival tyres. For heavy trucks, the Company launched production of the Michelin X One wide-single tyre, introduced new tyres under the Uniroyal and BFGoodrich brands, and also launched a portfolio of services for fleets and operators.
Mexico
Michelin has invested nearly US$43 million at its co-located facilities in Queretaro, Mexico, over the past five years.
During the same period in Mexico, Michelin has launched Defender LTX, Premier LTX and LTX Force tyres for passenger vehicles. The company introduced Uniroyal-brand tyres for heavy trucks during the period, as well as launching and expanding a suite of services for fleets and operators.