GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North American Inc., in partnership with key dealers, recently recognized 25 "unsung" essential workers in states where it has manufacturing assets with sets of free tires and public acknowledgements.
Michelin and its dealer partners singled out workers in various front-line sectors in Alabama, Indiana and South Carolina for their efforts in going "above and beyond to support their community during the pandemic and keeping it safe by following safety protocols."
"The people we choose to honor have looked beyond their own interests in keeping their communities safe and moving forward," Matthew Cabe, Michelin brand director, said.
"They serve as an example of what it looks like to stay strong and steadfast in the fight against COVID-19. As winter sets in, we want to thank these individuals and enable them to continue serving their communities on safe tires in any weather."
The individuals selected — a group that spanned vocations from school custodians to non-profit volunteers to firefighters to health professionals — were offered a set of Michelin CrossClimate2 or BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, products selected because of their capability to get essential workers where they need to be in virtually any weather.
Michelin teamed with five tire dealers on the recognition, with Michelin providing tires and the local dealerships providing installation. The dealers partnering with Michelin were:
- Belle Tire in Fort Wayne, Ind.;
- Bolton James Tire & Alignment in Spartanburg, S.C.;
- JacMac Tire Co. Inc. in Tuscaloosa, Ala.;
- Jim Whaley Tires in Dothan, Ala.; and
- Welborn Tire Pros & Automotive in Anderson, S.C.
Michelin has supported its communities throughout the pandemic with initiatives that have included giving masks to hospitals, donating money to community relief efforts and providing meals for healthcare workers. This recognition of essential workers was a continuation of this support and a way to encourage other community members to follow their examples of safety vigilance.