Michelin describes ‘transformational changes’ to tire factory operations

Cuneo, Italy – The Michelin Group has explained how it is “transforming” its tire production operations in response to a series of environmental, technological and human challenges.

At a media day on October 4-5 at Michelin’s Cuneo plant – its largest car tire plant in Western Europe – the group explained how it is tackling the challenges that have arisen in recent years.

Michelin operates more than 70 production plants on five continents, producing approximately 200 million tires per year and employing 75,000 people.

Facility upgrades initiated “a few years ago” have already led to the creation of “environmentally responsible” facilities across the group, according to the French tire manufacturer.

In the aftermath, Michelin said it had halved the environmental impact of its tire factories over 14 years to 2019, but knows it needs to go much further.

The major challenge now for Michelin is to achieve “net zero emissions” by 2050, with an intermediate objective of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% between 2010 and 2030.

This objective “can only be achieved by intensifying the group’s efforts in terms of conservation and transition to green energy”, he specifies.

Meanwhile, Michelin said its efforts in digitization and the use of AI have generated around 60 million euros in annual revenue, with another 100 million euros expected over the next three years.

The program includes “Plant 4.0”, which combines robotics with AI to improve predictive maintenance, production, working conditions and the group’s skills base.

The Clermont-Ferrand group also emphasizes the human resources aspects of its operations, with a view to making its employees more accountable.

“For 15 years, Michelin has been developing breakthrough managerial innovation in its factories to rethink the work of production teams,” he explains.

The management model, according to her, contributes to “greater economic performance” of its factories while making industrial jobs more attractive.

Michelin is also involved in enhanced “social dialogue”, in particular by establishing closer working relationships with trade unions and employees.