£14 million investment in new Michelin plant

Nigel Dodds, Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, revealed that the Michelin plant in Ballymena will channel almost £14 million into staff training and innovative manufacturing techniques.

[…] This latest investment, coupled with a culture of innovation and embracing change, demonstrates the company’s continuing commitment to the area

Nigel Dodds

Economy Minister

Northern Ireland

The investment will see new machinery and equipment added to create a cutting-edge production line at the French-based firm's location, which manufactures heavy bus and truck tyres for export.

"Michelin has been established in Ballymena for almost 40 years and this latest investment, coupled with a culture of innovation and embracing change, demonstrates the company’s continuing commitment to the area" commented Mr Dodds.

The Minister added that it was essential for firms to adopt the latest technology and increase the export capability.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered more than £2.6 million to Michelin to support its training programme for the new equipment.

Michelin has been operating in the UK since 1905 and already has a factory and headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent as well as a facility in Dundee.