Michelin North America (Canada) is introducing two new lines at its Pictou County factory in Nova Scotia. This includes a winter tire run and an innovative process for producing semi-finished materials.
The projects, valued at C$9m (US$6.9m) and C$12m (US$9.2m) respectively, will create 150 positions at the Pictou County site, and will make permanent 200 temporary positions that were slated to end in 2020.
“This is amazing news for Michelin in Nova Scotia, as these two projects push Michelin’s employment in the area to more than 3,600, the highest levels seen in our almost 50-year history,” said Jeff MacLean, president, Michelin North America (Canada).
“This is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the support of our community and government partners, and our continued ability to deliver top-quality products for the North American marketplace.”
Production of the new tire line (brand name yet to be announced) will begin in the autumn of 2019. The tire will be available in 2020 and of the 150 new jobs created, 130 will be working on this line. Hiring is now underway.
The C$12m project to bring in the new process for semi-finished materials manufacturing will see the installation of state-of-the art equipment, some building renovations and new storage facilities at the site.
The initiative will span from 2019 to 2020 and will create around 20 new jobs. The semi-finished products will be used in several North American Michelin sites. Hiring will begin in mid-2019.
“New to North America, this innovative process allows us to produce semi-finished materials needed for tire-building right here at home,” said MacLean. “These investments allow us to remain competitive in the marketplace, while continuing to build our future here in Nova Scotia.”
Michelin has thanked the Province of Nova Scotia for its support through the Nova Scotia Business Inc. Innovation Rebate Program, which will contribute C$3.56m; and, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education for support with training some of the new employees for these projects.
