Michelin-Scotland to secure “vibrant” future for Dundee

Dundee, Scotland – Michelin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Scottish authorities concerning the future of its Dundee site after the 845-employee tire plant there shuts in 2020.

Under the agreement signed 17 Dec, the French group will collaborate with Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and other stakeholders on a site-transformation plan.

Within a new strategic partnership, called the Michelin-Scotland Alliance, the tire maker will help turn the facility into a location for new economic and employment opportunities, said an 18 Dec Scottish Enterprise release.

The goal, it said, is to develop an ambitious Michelin-Scotland Innovation Parc, which will open up opportunities in manufacturing, remanufacturing, recycling and low-carbon transport.”

A ‘programme office’ has already been established to help drive phase one of Michelin-Scotland Alliance projects forward, in cooperation with local, regional and national organisations.

Scotland’s economy secretary Derek Mackay welcomed “Michelin’s formal commitment to work in partnership to develop the next phase of their presence in Scotland, including the skills and the capacity of their workforce and the transformation of the site.”

The Scottish government will “support the repurposing of the site which will become a key location for manufacturing, remanufacturing, recycling and low carbon transport in Scotland,” Mackay added in the release.

For his part, Remi de Verdilhac secretary general Michelin, said the alliance would help ensure “the best possible outcome for all those affected by the intended closure of Michelin’s tire manufacturing operations in the city.”

The Michelin executive went on to highlight how the Dundee site workforce had “reacted with great dignity and professionalism” following the tire-plant closure announcement.

“Their future is our priority,” said de Verdilhac, adding that, over the coming years, the Michelin-Scotland Innovation Parc would “leverage the strengths of the local economy to pave the way for a vibrant, innovation-led future for Dundee.”