Michelin Group's "future factory" in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]
With a total investment of 3 billion yuan ($425 million), French tire manufacturer Michelin Group's first "future factory" began production in the Minhang district of Shanghai on Jan 23.
On the same day, the facility celebrated the successful rollout of its first high-performance green tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy.
Equipped with advanced, flexible production systems, the factory is designed to cater to China's growing market for new energy vehicles (NEVs).
At the production commencement ceremony, Matthew Ye, president and CEO of Michelin Greater China, said that this factory represents a significant milestone in Michelin's long-term commitment to China, supporting high-quality growth and a green transition.
Michelin has had a presence in China since the 1980s and has seen the country's automotive industry and NEV technology grow rapidly. The company supplies over 30 percent of China's high-end NEV tire market and works with many local car manufacturers.
The "future factory" uses Michelin's latest machinery to produce a tire every 36 seconds and can handle orders as small as 100 tires. About 70 percent of its production will be for NEVs, and it has reduced the order-to-delivery time from 10 days to just five.
The factory focuses on leading manufacturing capabilities and sustainability. It uses artificial intelligence to enhance production management and operates entirely on renewable energy, ensuring green practices throughout the production process.
Michelin Group's "future factory" celebrates the successful rollout of its first high-performance green tire. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]
About 70 percent of production at the "future factory" will be for NEVs. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]
