Michelin expands plant in Germany

In 2023, Michelin announced plans to significantly reduce its production capacity in Germany, with the reorganization affecting plants in Karlsruhe, Homburg, and Trier, and around 1,500 people set to lose their jobs.

Michelin noted that the decision was influenced by high inflation and a sharp increase in production costs, but the passenger tire plant in Bad Kreuznach is still operating, and the company will invest around 30 million euros in its expansion by 2027.

The plant's area has already been increased by 560 m2, and the foundation for a new 1,800 m2 production hall was recently laid, as highlighted by plant director Guillem Fogel, who emphasized that the new investments are "crucial for our competitiveness, especially in light of the current challenges in the automotive and parts market".

The new premises will house two automated complexes for non-vulcanized tires with diameters of up to 20 inches, which should help optimize the material flow and increase production efficiency. Additionally, the new building, whose construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026, will feature a state-of-the-art extrusion line, which will be used from mid-2027 to produce tread patterns for next-generation tires.

Photo: Ulrike Dalheimer / Michelin