Michelin Announces Development Initiative for Waterloo, Canada

Michelin North America (Canada) Inc today announced details of an initiative aimed at contributing to the economic regeneration and long-term prosperity of the Waterloo Region.

Michelin Development will be headed by John Tully, a long-time Michelin North America, Inc. executive. According to the company, Tully brings experience in community relations and customer service to the programme. He will relocate to Kitchener from Greenville, South Carolina to establish the company’s office.

“We have had good success with Michelin Development outside North America,” said Tully. “We look forward to working with the community stakeholders within the Waterloo Region to ensure that same success here.”

Michelin Development, a long-term initiative, will focus on new job creation by offering low-interest loans to qualified entrepreneurs and start-up companies. The initiative aims to create hundreds of new jobs over the next six years, primarily focusing on the manufacturing sector.

“We recognize that the BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing facility in Kitchener is a significant part of the local economy and we are concerned about the economic impact of its closing,” said Tully. “The Michelin Development programme will help minimize this impact by working with community stakeholders to foster the creation of new jobs from diverse industries.”