Michelin Celebrates Double Milestone in Canada

Michelin’s Waterville facility in Canada has in November produced its 25th millionth tyre, a double milestone for a factory also celebrating its 25th year of manufacturing tyres for the commercial truck and earthmover market. Tyre number 25,000,000 was an XDA5 long haul drive tyre.

“I’m always saying that we like to do things ‘big’ here at the Waterville plant, so we’re very happy to celebrate two ‘big’ achievements at once,” said plant manager Grant Ferguson. “Our employees certainly have a lot to be proud of because they have worked hard and as a result we’ve enjoyed many significant accomplishments over the years. But, to produce our 25th millionth tyre in our 25th year is very unique indeed and twice the reason to be proud.”

The XDA5 tyre features a self-regenerating tread pattern that Michelin claims offers a 30 per cent increase in tread life. Thanks to Michelin Durable Technologies research and design, the 30/32 tread of the XDA5 tyre’s longer life equals reduced operating cost for fleet owners. The design is also 10 per cent wider than its predecessor, providing a larger contact patch for increased stability and handling. “The XDA5 tyre is an innovative new truck tyre that offers excellent traction throughout its lifetime and yields significantly more kilometres than ever before,” said Ferguson. “We’re proud to bring these new tyres to the market, and provide our customers with the last drive tyre they’ll ever need.”