Enterprise Minister congratulates Michelin on 40 years

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Michelin Tyre plc on 40 successful years in Ballymena.

The company’s Ballymena plant, which manufactures heavy bus and truck tyres for export, is the group’s fourth largest site worldwide.

It employs around 1,000 people and some of the apprentices who started their as apprentices in 1969 are still working there.

Speaking at a reception to mark Michelin’s 40th anniversary in Ballymena, the Minister said: “Michelin is a major economic force in Ballymena and the surrounding area and has a strong history of investment in capability and skills.

“It is one of the best performing plants in the company’s heavy tyre group of factories and has also contributed significantly to the community, through its extensive programme of corporate social responsibility.

“I’m pleased to be here today to congratulate and thank Michelin for its 40-year commitment to Northern Ireland, and to wish it many more years of success.”

Notes to editors:

1. Michelin was founded in France in 1889 and has been producing tyres in the UK since 1927 and in Ballymena since 1969.
2. The Ballymena plant is part of Michelin Tyre PLC, with its headquarters in Stoke-on Trent.
3. The company operates in tyres, mobility assistance systems and travel assistance services such as road maps and travel guides. Tyres, however, remain the core business, accounting for some 98% of the company’s sales.
4. Ballymena produces a range of bus and truck tyres and rubber compound, which is one of the ingredients required for tyre production, for Michelin in Ballymena, and also for GB and European plants.
5. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.