Michelin to build world’s first Airless Radial Tyre manufacturing facility
The facility will be situated in the state of South Carolina, and will manufacture X TWEEL –the Airless Radial Tyre – for commercial
By Divyanshu Boora
The facility will be situated in the state of South Carolina, and will manufacture X TWEEL –the Airless Radial Tyre – for commercial applications.
One of the most legendary names in the tyre industry, Michelin, has decided to set up a manufacturing facility in South Carolina, U.S.A. to manufacture a tyre that never goes flat, no matter what. The name given to this tyre by Michelin is TWEEL. TWEEL not only breaks the norm of having air inside the tyre, but also combines the tyre and the wheel unit.
TWEEL won’t have any air in it which simply means it practically cannot go flat. This makes it extra useful and handy in places that are prone to have bad surfaces like agriculture and construction industries. This new plant will not only allow Michelin to boost the production of its existing X TWEEL SSL skid-steer tyres, but also begin production of its all-new XTWEEL TURF made specifically for commercial mowers.
Commenting on the news, Pete Selleck, Chairman and President, Michelin North America said, “The TWEEL being built here in South Carolina is yet another dramatic example of Michelin’s long-standing commitment to breakthrough innovation. The TWEEL concept was born at Michelin Americas Research Company in Greenville, S.C., one of Michelin’s three global technology centers, and now the Tweel will be manufactured right here in the Greenville area to satisfy a growing commercial market.”
Adding further to Pete’s comments, Ralph Dimenna, Head of Michelin Tweel Technologies said,“Differentiating us from competitors, the TWEEL airless radial tire is the industry’s first commercialized airless radial solution and verifies Michelin’s leadership for the next generation of mobility. The TWEEL airless radial tire enables Michelin to enter new markets and expand its reach in existing business segments within the low-speed application category. The industry is hungry for solutions contributing to productivity, safety and bottom lines. Serving our customers is at the center of our strategy for success.”
The new facility in Piedmont, South Carolina will be made in an area of 1,35,000 square-foot and will be Michelin’s 10th manufacturing facility in South Carolina and the 16th in the U.S.
