NORWOOD, N.C. (Aug. 2, 2006) — Michelin Aircraft Tire Co. L.L.C. celebrated the 20th anniversary during July of aircraft tire production at its plant in Norwood.
The former B.F. Goodrich Co. bought the plant in 1983 from Wheaton Glass Co. and transformed it into an aircraft tire plant in 1986; the first bias-ply tire was produced on July 5 that year. Michelin bought the business, then operating as BF Goodrich Aerospace, in 1989.
The factory produces tires for commercial aviation, military use, major air frame builders and private aircraft. The facility also is the sole supplier for tires on NASA's space shuttle.
“With 20 years of aircraft tire production, the Norwood team can be proud of the progress made,” said Francois Corbin, president of Michelin Aircraft Tire.
The non-unionized plant employs more than 460 in production and produces about 19,000 tires a month, according to company data.