Michelin To Double Capacity

Michelin is leveraging technology and knowledge to grow in India.

- Bhargav TS

Tyre major Michelin has commissioned a new line at its Chennai plant to manufacture Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyres. Working towards doubling the production capacity in India by 2018, the company has also announced the supply of its X Guard TBR to Ashok Leyland Captain range of heavy trucks as OE fitment. The X Guard TBR has been exclusively designed and engineered in India, and for the Indian market. Made in India, the TBR is claimed to offer 10 per cent superior fuel efficiency when compared to other TBRs in the market.

Expressed Jean-Dominique Senard, Chief Executive Officer of Michelin Group, “We are currently running at full capacity. To meet the growing demand for tyres we are increasing our production capacity in India. We will be doubling our capacity from the current 15,000 tonnes per year. The capacity expansion will be completed by the end of 2018 and it will generate 150 new direct jobs.” Terming India as a priority market for Michelin, Senard averred, “The rising demand for our products in India re-affirms our commitment to the market. We will continue to innovate, and offer products that address the needs of our customers.” With the Chennai plant of Michelin said to have evolved into one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world, it should not come as a surprise that the company has been supplying TBRs to Volvo trucks and Volvo buses in India for some time now. According to Volvo sources, Michelin specially developed a 22.5-inch dia. TBR for its heavy trucks in India.