Michelin Showcases First Tyre From Brazil OTR Facility

The official dedication of Michelin’s new OTR tyre facility in Campo Grande, Brazil, took place in February, and the company is displaying the first tyre produced at the plant, a Michelin XDT, at the 2008 ConExpo-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas between March 11 and 15. The tyre has been autographed by employees at the Campo Grande facility.

“This tyre demonstrates Michelin’s commitment to investment in OTR tyre production in the Western Hemisphere, increasing Michelin’s production capacity to address the heavy demand for our OTR tyres,” said Luc Minguet, president of Michelin Earthmover Tire worldwide. “The Campo Grande production facility will complement the expansions taking place at our Lexington, South Carolina, facility as Michelin continues to demonstrate its commitment to supplying these industries with top-quality, radial tyres.”

Intended for use on rigid and bottom dump trucks, the Michelin XDT is designed to reduce wheel spin and improve traction with its long, even-wearing tread pattern. The aggressive, deep tread pattern and wide footprint of the XDT deliver, Michelin reports, excellent traction in even the most severe conditions. The tyre also features a strong, flexible low-pressure casing and an improved square shoulder and sidewall designed to offer more protection. The special tread compounds are capable of matching specific conditions, based on the site and vehicle application.