Michelin ships first 5000 tyres to US military

Greenville, South Carolina - Michelin North America Inc. on 30 May marked the first 5000-tyre shipment of BFGoodrich Baja T/A military-edition tyres to the US armed forces.

The tyres are for use on the military's Humvee vehicles. Michelin serves as the primary contractor for the military, and it has met initial production goals and is on track to fulfill contract requirements through the end of the year, the Greenville-based tyre maker said.

Michelin's Fort Wayne, Indiana, plant is handling production of the tyres. The plant expanded its product mix to include larger tyres with complicated constructions, Michelin said.

“This project is a significant milestone for the plant,” said Paul Cagle, plant manager.

Michelin's contract with the military expires in the fourth quarter of 2007, but the company said it hopes to extend the partnership in 2008.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)