A C$300m (US$220m) investment has been announced by Michelin in its Canadian operations to accelerate sustainable mobility and enhance its environmental footprint.
Made as part of the tire maker’s international growth strategy, the investment will see Michelin install an array of new technologies and equipment at three of its Nova Scotia production facilities in response to market evolution.
The changes at the facilities will see Michelin manufacture more tires to suit electric vehicles, the production of larger rim sizes for passenger vehicles and light trucks, and develop new tires that enhance fuel efficiency for commercial trucks. Additionally, to reduce the plants’ carbon emissions, Michelin plans to electrify several stages of the manufacturing process.
“Michelin is committed to developing the mobility of goods and people and doing so in a cleaner and more sustainable way,” said Alexis Garcin, president and CEO of Michelin North America. “With these investments, we will do exactly that: continue to add capacity in the most strategic segments of the tire market to support the transition to electric vehicles and to energy efficient freight transportation, while further reducing the environmental footprint of our products and our plants.”
“Today’s announcement is great news for the future of Canada’s auto sector,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Canada. “We are proud to partner with Michelin on a project that will support Canada’s advancement in the transportation sector and keep Canada on the cutting edge of the clean economy. With this investment, we are continuing to build a strong auto sector ecosystem by supporting the development of clean technology in the tire industry, creating well-paying jobs and generating economic benefits for Nova Scotians.”
The multi-year plan includes Michelin investing C$140m (US$100m) to expand its Bridgewater plant. Approximately 70 new jobs will be created.
“We’re excited to continue to enhance and grow our operations in Canada,” commented Andrew Mutch, president of Michelin North America (Canada). “We have a wonderful history of manufacturing tires here for more than 50 years, and I’m thrilled we can strengthen the competitiveness of our factories for our current and future workforce.”
