Michelin Tyre’s Stoke-on-Trent Remix retreading manufacturing site has accepted £3.9 million towards modernization from the U.K. Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
The company plans to use this money to upgrade its facilities in order to be able to retread its latest generation Michelin Durable Technologies truck and bus tires.
According to company representatives, this development takes the company “a step closer to securing £20 million worth of investment over a five-year period,” safeguarding the long-term future of the Stoke industrial site. The company is now said to be working with the Department for Business Innovation and the regional Government agencies “to develop and sustain the manufacturing skills base in the North Staffordshire region.”
Due to the economic situation, the project has been on hold for 12 months. Michelin has now authorized further investment for developing the project design study, to be completed during 2010, with an anticipated project implementation period of several years.
The project reportedly represents a significant development of the existing manufacturing operation and will enable the plant to respond to the need for the latest generation of innovative tire technologies for the U.K. truck tire market. The installation of high specification manufacturing equipment is expected to offer skills development opportunities to employees, increase productivity and provide improved working conditions. According to the company, the investment will also significantly reduce solvent emissions, with the plant becoming a benchmark facility for the retreading industry worldwide. (Tyres & Accessories)
