CLERMONT-FERRAND, France — Group Michelin has disclosed plans to close, for at least one week, its production facilities in the European countries most affected so far by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released March 18, Michelin did not specify which plants are closing or when they would be closed, saying it is "taking all the measures required to safeguard the health of its employees, in close cooperation with local authorities in every host country."
Michelin operates 25 tire factories in nine European nations, employing approximately 29,OOO hourly workers. In Italy, one of the worst-hit nations, Michelin has two plants with nearly 3,000 workers.
Michelin disclosed its plan to close factories along with its market estimates for February and the year-to-date sales figures for major markets.
Earlier this week, Goodyear took steps to close its tire manufacturing facilities in Europe. The next day, it disclosed that it would phase out production at its North and South American facilities. Goodyear said the global closures will continue through April 3.