Michelin North America is undergoing a large spending program in Mexico, with Guanajuato and Querétaro the immediate beneficiaries.

      Michelin recently announced plans for a new state-of-the-art passenger car and light truck tire manufacturing plant in Mexico, the world’s ninth-largest tire market. The plant will manufacture Michelin brand tires - including SUV and high performance tires - in the state of Guanajuato. Construction is expected to begin in late 2008 with production commencing in 2010.

      Michelin opened its new Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) tread manufacturing facility in Querétaro in July.

      Michelin plans an investment of up to $740 million in the Guanajuato plant through the end of 2014. Employment is expected to reach 1,300 people at full capacity. While estimated production figures are not being released, the plant’s output will support the growing North American demand for Michelin tires.

      “We are pleased to announce our plans to expand in Mexico, the fastest-growing tire market in North America where Michelin has experienced considerable success,” said Jim Micali, chairman and president of Michelin North America. “We are grateful to the government of Mexico and the state of Guanajuato for their extraordinary support as we make this investment.”

      The Michelin investment and job growth is based on finalizing appropriate agreements with federal and state governments. The new plant will complement Michelin’s other significant investments in Mexico, currently...

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