Michelin Invests $65.3 Million in Truck Tyre Capacity Expansion

(Akron/Tire Review) Groupe Michelin has announced plans to expand truck tyre capacity at its plant in Tours, France. Last month Tyres & Accessories learnt that Michelin would close down truck tyre production at the nearby Poitiers plant. A portion of the capacity from the Poitiers plant will be incorporated into the Tours facility, and the Poitiers plant will be converted into a warehouse, Michelin said. The manufacturer has already spent about $180 million on the Tours plants since 2000.

Michelin stated it would spend $65.3 million to expand capacity at Tours by 25 per cent, to more than 1 million units. This investment will continue through 2007, Michelin said. A spokesperson reportedly said that a large portion of the investment is earmarked for super-wide tyres (including the X-One) and low-profile tyres.