Michelin proceeding as planned with Mexico factory

Mexico still plays a role in Michelin’s future plans. Following Donald Trump’s comments on cross-border import duties and Ford’s decision to scrap plans for a new US$1.6 billion factory in the country, Michelin chief executive officer Jean-Dominique Senard has given his reassurance that the tyre maker hasn’t got cold feet.

“We’re going where our clients are. Our business is global, and we aren’t reconsidering Mexico,” he told AFP at the NAIAS show in Detroit.

While Michelin confirmed in July 2016 its intention to build a new car and light truck tyre manufacturing facility in Mexico, Senard commented that the decision to build the factory there was taken “some years ago.” The plant in Guanajuato state will be Michelin’s 21st in North America. Groundbreaking at the site took place in August, and the plant is expected to be completed in 2018.