Business Minister Mark Prisk was on hand yesterday to assist with the inspection process as the first four tyres rolled off the new production line at Michelin's Stoke-on-Trent factory.
The new production line at the Michelin Remix truck tyre retreading operation is the result of a £20m investment to upgrade machinery and equipment. The funding for the modernisation of the factory has been supported by the Government under the Grant for Business Investment.
As part of the £20m investment package the project has been developed as part of a long-term plan to sustain manufacturing in the North Staffordshire region.
Welcoming the good news, Eric Le Corre Michelin UK’s Managing Director said he was “delighted” with the completion of the first phase of the plant’s upgrade project. “With Michelin’s investment and the grant from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, we have been able to upgrade the factory to re-manufacture the latest generation of truck and bus tyres incorporating Michelin Durable Technologies. This will offer our customers products with even greater performance and economy in use.”
The project represents a significant development of the existing manufacturing operation. It will enable the plant to respond to the need for the latest generation of innovative tyre technologies for the UK tyre market, producing more durable and environmentally-friendly solutions for truck, coach and bus operators.
Mark Prisk, Business Minister, said: “I am delighted that Michelin is investing in the Stoke plant and making it into a world-leading modern manufacturing facility. Supported by Government, this investment is helping to protect over 400 skilled jobs.”
Michelin employs 115,000 people, has sales organisations in more than 170 countries and operates 69 production sites in 18 countries throughout five continents including 3 in the UK.
