Michelin to boost US tire plant capacity

Dothan, Alabama - Michelin North America Inc. is investing $22 million (€19.59 million) in its Dothan manufacturing facility to boost production of its high-performance light truck and SUV passenger tires, the company announced on 15 June.

The investment will support “significant” equipment upgrades that will result in a 10-percent increase in production, according to Michelin, and create about 40 new jobs at the plant, which currently employs 560.

“Over the past several years, the Dothan site has demonstrated its ability to deliver the high-quality tires that consumers demand from Michelin,” said Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America.

“I'd like to thank the Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan, Ala., for their support,” he continued. “This is an exciting time for our Dothan site.

“The plant just celebrated its 35th anniversary of operation and this project will help position Dothan to continue to be a strategic part of Michelin’s future in the North American market.”

Installation of the upgrades has begun at the facility and will be completed by the summer of 2016, Michelin said.