Michelin announces its intention to close the La Roche-sur-Yon site, in France

The Michelin group announced to the La Roche-sur-Yon employees in France its plan to close the site.

The commitment of the employees and the efforts of the company proved insufficient to complete the “Skipper” project, which was aimed at reinforcing the activity of the La Roche-sur-Yon site.

This project, which was supported by a 70 million-euro investment, did not produce the expected results due to the structural transformation of the premium truck tire market, both in Europe and overseas: a European market with no growth expected, intense competition, with an entry level brand segment in constant increase.

The company said in a statement that the priority of Michelin management is to support each of the 619 employees to build with them their future career. It added Michelin is committed to ensuring that each person, according to his or her situation and projects, has a choice for the future.

Michelin will propose to the social partners to start as soon as possible the negotiation of an agreement on a support scheme for employees favouring voluntary mobility in order to avoid forced departures.

Michelin will offer all employees concerned the opportunity to stay within the company. The numerous retirements planned in the coming years, and the recruitment needs make it possible to offer each employee several positions in the Group’s other sites in France. This internal mobility scheme will be supported by special measures.