Michelin is spending $50 million to upgrade equipment and
expand production capacity at the company's Fort Wayne
BFGoodrich tire factory in Woodburn, Ind., adding about 35
new jobs.
“This investment enables us to increase production capacity
while continuing to deliver high-quality products to our
customers,” says plant manager Dent Johnson. “It will also
upgrade the flexibility and capability of this facility to
help improve its long-term competitiveness.”
The 1.9 million-square-foot facility, which opened in 1961,
produces car and light truck tires and currently employs
1,580 people. Work on the upgrades and expansion will begin
immediately.
A coalition of Hoosier State organizations steered the
project to fruition, according to Johnson.
“We are deeply grateful to the state of Indiana, the Fort
Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the
Allen County Department of Planning Services, as well as the
County Council and County Commissioners, WorkOne Northeast
and the Indiana Economic Development Corp., all of whom were
influential in helping to secure this investment,” Johnson
says.
“Michelin continues to see Indiana as a smart place to grow
its manufacturing capacity, and we know that’s a direct
reflection of the dedication of the Northeast Indiana
workers,” says Mitch Roob, secretary of commerce and CEO of
the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
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The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance
compiled an incentive package worth more than $3 million to
help secure the investment, including personal- and
property-tax abatements of $2.1 million.
“The continued investment in Allen County by Michelin for
its BFGoodrich tire plant has provided good paying jobs to
many Northeast Indiana residents for 50 years,” notes Allen
County Commissioner Nelson Peters.
For more information, visit www.michelinman.com.
