Michelin ends tyre production in Nigeria

19 January 2007 – Michelin, the global tyre manufacturer, intends to close its production plant in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The company informed the Nigerian government on Tuesday (16 January) of its decision. According to Michelin’s statement, the two parties agreed to work together to find a buyer.

Michelin will extend the short-time working conditions, which were in place before the announcement, until the end of May 2007.

The sales operations and plantations in Nigeria will be maintained, added the company. Michelin maintains four plantations in Nigeria.

The plant in Port Harcourt produces motor car tyres and inner tubes. A BBC report said that 1,300 jobs could be lost with the closure.