Michelin North America Inc. will begin full-scale agricultural tire production in Lexington, S.C., by summer's end. The tires will be manufactured in a special area connected to its three-year-old earthmover tire plant.
The new manufacturing area already is producing Michelin radial agricultural tires for the North American original equipment and replacement markets.
“The new facility in Lexington will enable Michelin to meet North American demand for our agricultural tire products and have a significant impact on the market,” says Patrick Riou, vice president, marketing and sales for Michelin North America Agricultural Tires.
“Our commitment to investing in the state of South Carolina remains an important aspect of our operating strategy,” said Jim Micali, chairman and president, Michelin North America. The facility represents a $30 million investment in South Carolina.
Michelin introduced its line of agricultural tires for the North American market in 1997. The Michelin brand has a 4% share of the replacement radial rear farm tire market in the United States, according to Modern Tire Dealer statistics.
