Forty years after the first tire rolled off the line in 1970, Michelin's plant in Ardmore, Okla., is celebrating its 40th anniversary, honoring past and present employees and their families, who have been a vital part of the plant's success since day one.
"Over the past 40 years, cars and tires have changed dramatically, but the support, energy and professionalism of our employees remains unmatched," said Dave Brenner, plant manager of Michelin's Ardmore facility. "Not only are we celebrating an important milestone, but we are also looking ahead to a bright future. Tomorrow is a celebration of our employees and their families, who have been with us through the generations, and a welcome to their sons and daughters, neighbors and friends who will be with us for many more years to come."
Michelin's Ardmore plant has grown tremendously since its opening in 1970. Today, it encompasses 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing operations and produces some of the most technically advanced passenger car and light truck tires on America's roadways. The facility employs more than 1,700 people, the most of any Michelin manufacturing facility in the United States.
The plant's multigenerational families and seven four-decade employees have witnessed many changes over Ardmore and Michelin's rich history. Built in 1969 by Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company, the production facility was on the verge of ending operations after 20 years until Michelin acquired Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company in 1990. Five years after the acquisition, a tornado destroyed the plant, but the facility was fully operational just two months later due to unparalleled employee engagement and Michelin's $45 million rebuilding investment. Overall, Michelin has invested more than $400 million into Ardmore since acquiring the plant from Uniroyal Goodrich.
"Ardmore has been very good for Michelin," said Brenner. "And, we like to think that Michelin is good for Ardmore as well. We're actively engaged in the community from recycling to 4H, to environmental camps and much, more. Ardmore is our home and we're committed to giving back to the community that has been wonderfully supportive of us."
About Michelin
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 20,900 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.