Update: Michelin consolidating Mexican production, to close Queretaro plant

Queretaro, Mexico – Michelin is consolidating its tire production in Mexico into its facility in Leon, Guanajuato, and will close its plant in Querétaro by year-end.

In a 9 June statement, the French group said it had halted production at the Queretaro plant to give management time this week to engage in collective discussions with employees.

According to Michelin, the Queretaro plant currently produces less than 500,000 BFGoodrich brand tires per year for passenger cars and light trucks. It also has a retread production workshop for truck tires.

Michelin said it will provide support measures, including financial compensation and benefit packages to the 480 people currently employed at the site.

The French group said it has secured a specific fund that will enable the development of sustainable activities for the benefit of the state and the local community.

Separately, in a social media post dated 10 June, Mexican economy secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced the move, stating that the Leon site “produces tires best suited to the current Mexican market.”

Michelin, he added, will maintain its presence and commitment to Mexico.

Operational since 1987, the Queretaro plant is the older of Michelin's two facilities in the country. It produces radial passenger car and light vehicle tires, with a nameplate capacity of 6,000 units per day.

Michelin opened its second Mexican facility in Leon in 2018.

The plant, described by the group as one of its “most modern” worldwide, also produces radial passenger car and light vehicle tires, with a nameplate capacity of 1,150 units per day.

ERJ has contacted Michelin for further comment.