Michelin confirms new plant in Mexico

On July 4, Michelin announced plans to build a production facility in León (Guanajuato state), Mexico to manufacture high-end tires for passenger cars and light trucks. The first tires are expected to come off the production line in fourth-quarter 2018. The new plant in Mexico will be Michelin’s 21st in North America and 69th worldwide. Its location reflects Michelin’s commitment to producing its tires as close as possible to the markets in which they are sold.

The construction of the 142,000-square-meter plant, which represents an investment of €450 million ($510 million), is expected to begin in second-half 2016. Once completed, the León plant will be ramped up gradually. During the initial production phase, it is expected to manufacture four to five million tires a year for Michelin customers with plants in the region as well as for the large North American domestic market, which has been enjoying strong growth in recent years.