Uncertain future for 3 Michelin plants in Germany
Michelin is investigating options for 3 of its plants in Germany (Homburg pictured) in response to “growing competitive pressure” as well as “rising production & administrative costs” (Photo: Christian Marx / NRZ)
According to information from our sister publication in Germany that has since been confirmed by Michelin, yesterday the tyre maker informed employees that it has initiated talks with the works councils and employee unions at its sites in Karlsruhe, Trier and Homburg. Whether Michelin intends to streamline its operations at these locations or close them entirely is not yet known.
“Michelin Deutschland has started consultations with its social partners against the background of growing competitive pressure and rising production and administrative costs in Germany,” Maira Zöller, Michelin’s head of public relations for Northern Europe, told Reifenpresse.de. “The subject of these discussions is the competitive situation and the reduction of production at Michelin’s operations in Karlsruhe and Trier as well as new tyre production and the manufacture of semi-finished products in Homburg.”
Zöller explained that the aim of these talks was to jointly examine possible options for addressing this situation. When Reifenpresse.de asked whether plant closures are an option in addition to possible job cuts, she replied that “no decision” has been made at this stage. “Michelin employees will be the first to be informed about the conclusion of these talks,” added Zöller.
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