WATERVILLE, Nova Scotia (Jan. 17, 2013) — Michelin North America Inc. will invest $73 million over four to five years to expand capacity for wide-base truck tires at its Waterville plant, an expansion that should create about 50 jobs at the 31-year-old factory.
Michelin did not quantify the scale of the capacity expansion, which will involve equipment improvements, including the installation of new technologies in all aspects of the manufacturing process. The project will involve adding 32,280 square feet to the plant.
Dana LeBlanc, president, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., cited "growing demand" for Michelin X One wide-based truck tires for the investment.
"Today's announcement shows once again that Michelin believes in both the province of Nova Scotia and our highly skilled employees," Mr. LeBlanc said.
Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter said the investment reflects industry's belief that "Nova Scotians, and particularly the workers and industries in rural Nova Scotia, can be among the world's best in quality and productivity."
The Waterville plant makes radial OTR tires in addition to radial truck tires. The plant is rated at 137,400 metric tons annually with 1,219 hourly employees.