Background on Michelin and its Relevance
Michelin, a renowned French tire manufacturer, has announced the closure of its Querétaro plant by the end of 2025. This decision stems from changes in the passenger car and light truck tire market, making the current facility economically and technologically obsolete.
Key Points on the Querétaro Plant Closure
- Infrastructure Limitations: The Querétaro plant lacks the necessary infrastructure to produce larger tires for passenger cars and light trucks, aligning with current market demands.
- Production Reduction and Closure Timeline: Michelin will start reducing production in Querétaro, ceasing operations by the end of 2025. The plant will temporarily halt production this week to allow time for collective discussions with workers.
- Individual Support and Training: Michelin is committed to supporting each worker individually for their future. In the coming weeks, details will be provided regarding financial compensation and a training offer.
- Skill Development through External Training: The external training will help workers acquire new skills, enhancing their employability according to labor market demands.
- Collaboration with Local and State Leaders: Michelin will work with local and state leaders to determine the best support methods, including sustainable activities benefiting the region and community.
- Continued Corporate Operations: Michelin will maintain its corporate headquarters and shared corporate services center (CBS) in Querétaro, along with commercial operations for automotive, truck, mining, agricultural, and specialized tire lines.
- León Plant Operations: Michelin will continue its industrial operations in León, Guanajuato.
- Merger with León Plant: The Querétaro plant will merge operations with the León facility, as communicated by Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon.
- Plant’s History in Querétaro: The Querétaro plant was Michelin’s first industrial site in Mexico and has been operational for approximately 23 years.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why is Michelin closing the Querétaro plant? The plant has become economically and technologically obsolete due to changes in the passenger car and light truck tire market.
- What will happen to the workers at the Querétaro plant? Michelin is committed to supporting each worker individually, providing financial compensation and training opportunities to enhance their employability.
- Will Michelin continue its operations in Querétaro? Yes, Michelin will maintain its corporate headquarters and shared corporate services center (CBS) in Querétaro, along with commercial operations for various tire lines.
- What is the timeline for the plant closure? Michelin will start reducing production in Querétaro, ceasing operations by the end of 2025. The plant will temporarily halt production this week to allow time for collective discussions with workers.
- How will Michelin support the local community post-closure? Michelin will collaborate with local and state leaders to determine the best support methods, including sustainable activities benefiting the region and community.
