MICHELIN GROWING
Company to add 150 new jobs, invest $20 million.
Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. announced Oct. 23 two new projects at its Michelin Pictou County site that will see more than $20 million invested into the Pictou County site and create 150 new jobs.
The investments will also see 200 temporary positions that were slated previously to end in 2020 become permanent, according to a release from the company.
Hiring for the new positions at the Pictou County site will begin immediately, the company stated.
Production will soon begin on a new winter tire line along with the North American launch of “an innovative process for semifinished materials,” according to a press release from Michelin.
“This is amazing news for Michelin in Nova Scotia, as these two projects push Michelin’s employment in Nova Scotia to more than 3,600, the highest levels seen in our almost 50-year history,” said Jeff MacLean, president of Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.
“This is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the
support of our community and government partners, and our continued ability to deliver topquality products for the North American marketplace.”
The new tire line — its brand name has not yet been announced — will begin production in the fall of 2019 and will be available for consumers in 2020.
The investment will help Michelin improve its market competitiveness by installing a new manufacturing process at the Pictou County site.
“New to North America, this innovative process allows us to produce semi-finished materials needed for tire-building right here at home,” said MacLean. “These investments allow us to remain competitive in the marketplace while continuing to build our future here in Nova Scotia.”
The $12 million project includes state-of-the art equipment, building renovations and new storage facilities at the site in 2019–2020 and will add 20 new employees to the site. These semifinished products will be used in several North American Michelin sites. Hiring for this project will begin in mid-2019.
Provincial help
“This project reinforces the strength and technical capability of the Michelin Nova Scotia team,” said Premier Stephen McNeil in a press release. “We are also pleased that a Nova Scotia location has been chosen to be the first in North America for this innovative work with semifinished materials. Michelin has been a very important part of our economy for several decades, and it’s wonderful to see this commitment to future growth and success in our province.”
The province, through the Nova Scotia Business Inc. Innovation Rebate Program, will contribute $3.56 million to the project. The Department of Labour and Advanced Education will provide support with training some of the new employees for these projects.
Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan said he was very pleased to hear the news.
“It’s very exciting for all of Pictou County,” he said. “I think what it does is it cements some of that employment in our community and produces more employment.”
He said it’s particulary good news for those 200 people who were unsure whether their jobs would continue past the 2020 date.
The level of capital investment also shows a commitment to the area, he said.
“I think that says a lot for the longevity of the company and its commitment to the county.”
“This is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the support of our community and government partners, and our continued ability to deliver top-quality products for the North American marketplace.
Jeff MacLean, president of Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.