Michelin plant celebrates production milestone, 25 years

Michelin’s plant in Waterville, Nova Scotia, has two great reasons to celebrate. The plant is commemorating its 25th year of manufacturing tires for the commercial truck and earthmover market, and it has also produced its 25th millionth tire – an XDA5 tire – the new long-haul drive tire featuring the latest in Michelin Durable Technologies research and innovation.

"I'm always saying that we like to do things 'big' here at the Waterville plant, so we're very happy to celebrate two 'big' achievements at once," said Grant Ferguson, plant manager. "Our employees certainly have a lot to be proud of because they have worked hard and as a result we've enjoyed many significant accomplishments over the years. But, to produce our 25th millionth tire in our 25th year is very unique indeed and twice the reason to be proud."

Michelin's Waterville facility, Michelin's second-largest truck tire plant, opened in 1982 and manufactures heavy-duty earthmover and large industrial tires.

Michelin's innovative XDA5 tire took the honor of being the 25th millionth tire produced. The new drive tire features a self-regenerating tread pattern that offers a 30 percent increase in tread life. Thanks to Michelin Durable Technologies research and design, the deep 30/32 tread of the XDA5 tire's longer life equals reduced operating cost for fleet owners. The design is also 10 percent wider than its predecessor, providing a larger contact patch for increased stability and handling.

"The XDA5 tire is an innovative new truck tire that offers excellent traction throughout its lifetime and yields significantly more kilometers than ever before," said Ferguson. "We're proud to bring these new tires to the market, and provide our customers with the last drive tire they'll ever need."

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 Laval, Quebec, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. employs approximately 3,700 employees and operates three plants.