Michelin opens R&D Lab in Manesar
Michelin India’s new Research and Development Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana, will expand its research and innovation capacity and strengthen commitment to the mobility industry in the region.
Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, who recently inaugurated this state-of-the-art facility, said: “Our vibrant economic partnership with India is boosted by France’s leading companies such as Michelin which actively contributes to “Make in India” and bring research and development technology expertise here. Along with providing innovative products to India and other emerging markets in the region, this technology centre will also help augment skilling, thus contributing to the Indian government’s National Skill Development Mission, a key parameter for global competitiveness for India.”
With an annual R&D budget of more than €700 million, Michelin has over 6,000 employees engaged in research, development and process engineering at Technology Centres in Europe, North America and Asia. The sprawling 3800-square-meter Materials test laboratory at Manesar is an essential resource, providing support to the Michelin Technology Centre in Gurgaon. This centre is focused on radial truck and bus tyre R&D and provides technical support to the company’s manufacturing facilities in Chennai, China and Thailand.
Philippe Verneuil, President of Michelin Africa, India and Middle East, said “Michelin Group is committed to bringing innovation quicker to our markets and better delivering on our customers’ expectations. Establishing a Technology Centre supported by a materials testing laboratory is a demonstration of the high level of confidence that Michelin Group has for India and the business growth opportunities in the region. This laboratory will provide impetus to our established innovation capabilities in India and will assist with material research for more robust and fuel efficient truck and bus tyres.”
Serge Godefroid, Managing Director, Michelin India Technology Centre, said: “We have a dynamic team of highly skilled technical experts who have been selected from premier institutes in India.”