Michelin reduces production 'significantly'

Dec. 29, 2008

Groupe Michelin says it has cut back "significantly" on all operations in most of its plants due to worldwide reduced demand for tires.

"This decision, stemming from the current economic environment, will lead to exceptional costs due to under-utilization of capacity, which will amount to nearly 150 million euros in fourth quarter accounts," say Michelin officials.

The action will help the tiremaker manage its inventories "and maintain its flexibility moving into 2009."

Latest in Suppliers

Bridgestone Americas Inc.
Bridgestone has provided Porsche Panamera drivers with two fitments – the 21-inch Bridgestone Portenza Sport Tire and the bespoke 20-inch Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (pictured) winter fitment.
Frederico Rostagno | Adobe Stock
'There are too many moving parts to give predictions with any confidence,' Simon Heaney, Drewry’s senior manager, container research for Drewry, a leading shipping industry consultant with offices in China, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom, recently told MTD.
Hankook Tire America Corp. 
In North America, high-diameter passenger and light truck tires comprised 55.8% of Hankook’s sales during the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from 52.8% during the same period in 2023.
Tommy Jeffers | Dreamstime.com
'We recognize that many tires are imported and that tariffs will undoubtedly affect the (tire) industry,' said Roy Littlefield IV, the Tire Industry Association's vice president of government affairs. 'However, the extent and specifics of that impact cannot be determined at this time. TIA will continue to monitor the situation closely.'