Michelin urged to deepen China investment, add aircraft tire activities

Shenyang, China – Michelin has been urged by officials in China’s Liaoning province to expand its local investment and develop “higher value-added businesses” such as aircraft tires.

According to the local provincial government website, Liaoning governor Wang Xinwei met with a Michelin delegation led by managing partner and general manager Yves Chapot in Shenyang 24 April, where he invited the French group to expand operations in China.

During the meeting, Wang reiterated that Liaoning was committed to "intelligent transformation and digital transformation" of traditional industries.

The province, he said, aimed to ‘cultivate and strengthen’ strategic emerging industries, and was proactively planning for future industries.

As part of this, Wang explained, Liaoning is working to “fully improve the level of opening-up” to attract foreign investment.

With regards to Michelin, Wang expressed the hope that the French group would “continue to deepen its presence in Liaoning,” increase investment and turn its Shenyang factory into a “demonstration benchmark for intelligent manufacturing.”

The official also called on the French group to “actively lay out more high value-added businesses,” including aircraft tire research, development and manufacturing.

Chapot, meanwhile, said Michelin “has always remained optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market” and is confident in its long-term development there.

He said the group had benefited from Liaoning’s manufacturing base, established industrial supply chain, talent resources and favourable business environment.

"We will further strengthen our business layout in Liaoning, fully promote cooperative projects, and work with more partners to share revitalisation opportunities and achieve common development," Chapot added.