Michelin still ‘committed to’ making tires in Germany

Clermont Ferrand, France – Michelin will continue to manufacture tires in Germany, the group emphasised while announcing (ERJ report) the closure of three major production facilities in the country.

“As the home of the technology-leading automotive industry, Germany remains an important location for the Michelin group,” the French-based tire maker said in the 28 Nov announcement.

In particular, its passenger car tire plant in Bad-Kreuznach plant will be a “success factor” in the future penetration of markets for tire sizes 18” and above.

The Bad-Kreuznach location is also an important centre for the manufacture of “strategic high-tech tires”, according to the statement.

The French group will also maintain what it said is European largest truck tire retreading facility: its site in Homburg, which is also to continue processing RFID chips.

Michelin said it would continue to modernise both production sites to make them ‘even more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly for the future.’

After the cutbacks involving over 1,500 job losses, Michelin said it will have 2,780 employees in Germany – across industry, logistics, sales, marketing and administration functions.

Michelin’s current tire production plants in Germany