Michelin to boost winter tire output

GRANTON, Nova Scotia (March 9, 2016) — Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. is boosting production at its Granton plant temporarily to meet increased consumer demand for winter products.

The two-year project will add 70 to 90 temporary and contract jobs at Michelin's Pictou County plant in Granton, starting as early as June. The temporary jobs will be filled with current Michelin Pictou County employees, returning Michelin retirees and contractors.

“Simply put, our customers want more of our tires for our challenging winters,” said Jeff MacLean, president, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.

The increased output will be focused on the Michelin X-Ice X-i2 for both Canadian and export markets.

Michelin said the production boost will be carried out using the plant's existing assets and thus won't require any capital investment.

The decision revitalizes the 45-year-old plant — where Michelin phased out most tire production in 2014-15 — albeit temporarily. In March 2014 Michelin announced plans to cut out production of all but a few high-performance dimensions by mid-2015.

The factory also still produces tire membranes and serves as a rubber-compounding site for other Michelin plants.