Michelin Marks Four Decades at Ardmore Site

Michelin North America has celebrated the 40th year of production at its Ardmore plant in Oklahoma. The first tyre rolled off the line in 1970, and since that time the facility has grown considerably. Today the Ardmore factory covers almost 140,000 square metres of manufacturing operations and employs more than 1,700 people in the production of passenger car and light truck tyres.

 “Over the past 40 years, cars and tyres have changed dramatically, but the support, energy and professionalism of our employees remains unmatched,” said Ardmore plant manager Dave Brenner. “Not only are we celebrating an important milestone, but we are also looking ahead to a bright future.”

Built in 1969 by Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company, the factory was on the verge of ending operations after 20 years in operation until Michelin acquired Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company in 1990. Five years after the acquisition, a tornado destroyed the plant, but the facility was fully operational just two months later – helped by a US$45 million rebuilding investment and what Michelin refers to as “unparalleled employee engagement”. Overall, Michelin has invested more than $400 million into Ardmore since acquiring the plant from Uniroyal Goodrich.
 
“Ardmore has been very good for Michelin,” Brenner added. “And, we like to think that Michelin is good for Ardmore as well. We’re actively engaged in the community from recycling to 4H, to environmental camps and much more. Ardmore is our home and we’re committed to giving back to the community that has been wonderfully supportive of us.”