Michelin Tyre plc has appointed John Howe as Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, with effect from 1 January 2022. He will also hold the role of B2C Sales Director, with responsibility for the company’s car, motorcycle and bicycle markets.
Michelin has appointed Andrew French as B2B sales director for the UK and Ireland, with responsibility for truck and bus, van, agriculture, construction, mining and the Services and Solutions business lines. He takes on the role with immediate effect, just weeks after celebrating his 25th anniversary with the company – having joined Michelin as an apprentice in August 1996.
Michelin Tyre PLC has appointed Conor Twomey as Communications Director for the UK & Ireland. The role encompasses press and public relations, social media, events and internal communications across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and covers the entire Michelin brand portfolio, including car, motorcycle, bicycle, truck, bus, agriculture and construction tyres, the Michelin Guide as well as the company’s growing interests in sustainable industries such as hydrogen power and high-tech materials.
Michelin has been in the UK since 1905, and it has been making tyres there since 1927 when its Stoke-on-Trent factory opened. Michelin’s Stoke-on-Trent plant still produces retreaded truck tyres, which use 70 per cent less raw material than a new tyre.
Stoke-on-Trent is Michelin’s UK headquarters, and it is the global headquarters of Michelin Lifestyle – the manufacturer’s licensing operation. The Michelin Training and Information Centre pushes up standards, safety and knowledge through courses attended by tyre technicians and emergency services from the UK and overseas, while Michelin Development supports new and small businesses in selected regions.
Michelin in the UK also produces the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, giving readers expert and independent advice on where to stay and where to eat, and listing restaurants worthy of a world-famous Michelin Star.
Michelin UK has strong links with other Michelin Group companies in the country, including Camso, Fenner and Blackcircles.com. The Michelin Group employs more than 123,000 people globally.
Tyres & Accessories recently interviewed UK managing director Chris Smith in order to get his view on subjects affecting the market today.
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Michelin Tyre will sponsor the inaugural Responsible Recycler Scheme (RRS) Member of the Year Award in 2021. The National Tyre Distributors Association has added the accolade to its suite of Tyre Industry Awards, recognising its closer ties with the Tyre Recovery Association. The TRA’s Responsible Recycler Scheme has promoted best practice in tyre recycling for many years, while the sector has been generating increased interest with several key investments announced over the past 18 months. The award reflects the rising profile of tyre recycling in the UK, with the associations recognising the need to promote the best performing companies in this vital industry. Michelin’s sponsorship of the award joins the manufacturer’s commitment to switch to 100 per cent renewable, recycled and bio-based materials for its tyres by 2050, restated recently as part of the manufacturer’s strategic framework.
For hauliers, fuel consumption is of paramount performance and fuel is one of the major costs for fleets. Just how much of an effect tyres can have in keeping costs down was illustrated recently when tyres from Michelin’s X Line Energy range – designed for fleets seeking the lowest possible carbon footprint – were fitted to two Volvo trucks which have set new fuel efficiency records on demanding press road tests in the UK.
Despite the fact that the UK was in the middle of lockdown, Michelin Tyre Plc’s ultra-modern retread manufacturing operation resumed production at the end of April. In fact, according to the company, there were only two reasons that the Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent site paused manufacturing at all: because the coronavirus-related closures coincided with a pre-planned maintenance stoppage; and because – again due to Covid-19 – there was trouble securing deliveries of the right raw materials from the continent prior to April (see “Michelin Stoke up-and-running, looking forward to ‘steady market growth’” for Michelin UK factory manager Francois Levert’s view on how things have progressed after reopening). Therefore, Michelin UK’s retread manufacturing operation only actually endured a three-week factory shutdown. The neighbouring UK headquarters opened in mid-July and so now its truck tyre and retreading business is putting the focus on success in the new normal. This began with a communications drive that has seen the manufacturer promote the ecological benefits of retreads. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Michelin Plc managing director Chris Smith in order to find out more.
Michelin is supplying more than 2,000 UK and Ireland tyre dealerships with COVID-19 safety kits as the demand for tyres in all sectors begins to increase. The packages contain materials to help implement standardised hygiene practices for employees and customers. The free packs have begun shipping to all independent Michelin Quality Centre, Michelin Exelagri and Michelin Service Pro dealers. These networks support Michelin customers across the car, agricultural and commercial vehicle sectors respectively.
Michelin has launched the Agilis 3, its latest summer tyre for light commercial vehicles. The manufacturer states that the new tyre is designed particularly for vans used on intense delivery schedules. It adds that the tyre features technology “not used within light commercial vehicle tyres previously.” These help the Agilis 3 to offer safety on wet roads and high fuel efficiency, exemplified by its tyre label scores, while remaining robust and durable. Michelin states that the tyre targets the optimisation of costs and environmental footprint without compromising on safety.
Michelin has renewed its corporate membership of Transaid, the official charity of the transport and logistics industry. The tyre manufacturer, which was a founder member of the charity in 1998, also pledged to fundraise a further £25,000 in cycle challenge sponsorship during 2020.
Michelin has expanded its popular X Multi range of regional truck tyres, with the introduction of two new multi-position sizes, intended primarily for fitment on the front steer axle.
Chris Smith has been named as the new managing director of Michelin UK. Smith replaces James Alderman, who has retired.
Smith, 36, will oversee the strategy and direction of Michelin UK at the same time as continuing his responsibilities as sales director B2B for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Michelin has expanded its X Multi T2 commercial tyre range with the launch of four new 17.5-inch sizes for low platform trailers, such as step frames, car transporters and double-decks. The new sizes are 215/75 R17.5, 235/75 R17.5, 245/70 R17.5 and 205/65 R17.5.
Michelin has launched the X Multi HD (heavy-duty) D (drive) tyre in 315/80 R22.5 and 315/70 R22.5 sizes, expanding its range of versatile application commercial vehicle tyres. The manufacturer states the new tyre targets solid bulk, agricultural, and specialist transport operators, including milk collection and animal feed delivery fleets. It is designed to be a robust tyre for versatile applications requiring a high mileage potential and traction.
Michelin Tyre plc has announced key appointments to lead its B2B division covering the agricultural, bus/coach, earthmover, truck and van sectors. This sees Chris Smith, 34, appointed sales director B2B; and Helen Ratcliff, 38, named as marketing director – both with responsibility for the UK and Ireland.
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