Goodyear has announced plans to modernize its tire manufacturing plant in Amiens, France, over the next five years. The proposed project will strengthen the competitiveness of the plant through a high degree of digitalization, automation and equipment upgrades for more sustainable and innovative production of premium, large-rim-diameter consumer tires, including those for electric and hybrid vehicles.
The plan includes an investment of €148m (US$163m), which is supported by the French government’s Automotive Recovery Plan through a loan and €44.6m (US$49m) in state aid.
The Amiens plant employs approximately 800 workers. The plan would preserve employment for at least the next 10 years and would include a skills development training program.
“The automotive industry is experiencing unprecedented changes, which are also transforming the tire industry,” said Pierre-Jean Eraud, president of Goodyear France. “We have been working with the French authorities for more than a year on this modernization project, confirming Goodyear’s commitment to promoting opportunities for our workforce and the competitiveness of the region.”
The project remains subject to consultation with relevant employee representative bodies and regulatory approvals from the European Commission.
