Michelin on-track with '2020 plans'

Paris – Groupe Michelin has presented an update on a 2016-2020 programme to streamline its operations in Europe and increase its manufacturing footprint in other world regions.

In a 13-Sept autumn conference presentation, the company said it was on track with plans to close three retread shops and one semi-finished plants in Europe.

During the 2016-2020 period, Michelin said it was aiming to up its passenger car tire (PCR) production in China by 20% to 240ktpa.

The company has two PCR production sites in China, at Shanghai and Shenyang, but did not specify where the added capacity will occur.

ERJ reported last April that Michelin was investing €300 million to expand its facilities in Shenyang.

In Thailand, the French tire maker is increasing production capacity for PCR tires by 10% to 165ktpa and TBR tires by 24% to 75ktpa.

Michelin has five production sites in Thailand, three of which are specifically for tire production and two for compounds and metal cables. The company did not specify which would add new capacity.

In Mexico, where the company is building a €450-million tire plant in Guanajuato, central Mexico, Michelin said it expects to add 60ktpa of new capacity by 2020.