Michelin Boosts OTR Production in Lexington Plant

(Akron/Tire Review) Michelin North America (MNA) has confirmed reports that it plans to invest $85 million over the next five years at its OTR tyre production facility in Lexington, South Carolina, increasing production by nearly 50 per cent.

The expansion will add approximately 70 jobs by 2010, according to MNA. New buildings and equipment will be added, and the expansion plan also allows for further growth if needed. A potential second phase could increase Lexington’s capacity further, MNA stated.

This latest announcement comes on the heels of capacity increases announced in March. The increases will help to serve the continued demand for 57- to 63-inch OTR tyres for surface mining equipment, said MNA.

“Demand for Michelin’s radial earthmover tyres is breaking every record,” said Prashant Prabhu, head of Groupe Michelin’s global earthmover tyre unit. “This expansion increases our capacity for large surface mining tyres by almost 50 per cent at Lexington and allows us to better serve our customers by adding new capacity as quickly as possible.”