GRANTON, PICTOU COUNTY
Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. announced Oct. 23 two new projects at its Michelin Pictou County site that will see more than $20 million invested into the Pictou County site and will create 150 new jobs.
In addition, the investments will make permanent 200 temporary positions that were slated previously to end in 2020, according to a release from the company.
The company stated that production will soon begin on a new winter tire line along with the North American launch of an innovative process for semi-finished materials.
“This is amazing news for Michelin in Nova Scotia, as these two projects push Michelin’s employment in Nova Scotia to more than 3,600, the highest levels seen in our almost 50-year history,” said Jeff MacLean, President, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. “This is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the support of our community and government partners, and our continued ability to deliver top-quality products for the North American marketplace.”
This new tire line — its brand name has not yet been announced — will begin production in the fall of 2019 and will be available for consumers in 2020.
With production of this new winter tire line beginning in 2019, about 200 positions at the Pictou County site that were slated previously to end in May 2020 will become permanent; an additional 130 new positions will be added. Hiring for these positions at the Pictou County site will begin immediately, the company stated.
The other investment will help Michelin improve its market competitiveness by installing an innovative semi-finished manufacturing process at the Pictou County site.
“New to North America, this innovative process allows us to produce semi-finished materials needed for tire-building right here at home,” said MacLean. “These investments allow us to remain competitive in the marketplace, while continuing to build our future here in Nova Scotia.”
The $12 million project will include state-of-the art equipment, building renovations and new storage facilities at the site. This project will span 2019–2020 and will add 20 new employees to the site. These semi-finished products will be used in several North American Michelin sites. Hiring for this project will begin in mid-2019.
“This project reinforces the strength and technical capability of the Michelin Nova Scotia team,” said Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia. “We are also pleased that a Nova Scotia location has been chosen to be the first in North America for this innovative work with semi-finished materials. Michelin has been a very important part of our economy for several decades, and it’s wonderful to see this commitment to future growth and success in our province.”
Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan said he was very pleased to hear the news.
“It’s very exciting for all of Pictou County,” he said. “I think what it does is it cements some of that employment in our community and produces more employment.”
He said it’s particulary good news for those 200 people who were unsure whether their jobs would continue past the 2020 date.
The level of capital investment also shows a commitment to the area, he said.
“I think that says a lot for the longevity of the company and its commitment to the county.”
The Province of Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Business Inc. Innovation Rebate Program, will contribute $3.56 million to the project; and, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education will provide support with training some of the new employees for these projects.
The Michelin Pictou County site, opened in 1971 as home to Groupe Michelin’s second-largest rubber-mixing operation, produces passenger-car and light-truck tires, curing membranes, and also houses the Company’s Canadian corporate offices.
RELATED LINKS:
Extension of tire building project announced for Michelin Pictou County
Two-year tire building project announced for Michelin Pictou County
