Michelin India Inaugurates Research And Development Laboratory In Manesar

Indian arm of French tyre manufacturer Michelin has inaugurated its Research and Development Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana, on Tuesday (13 June), informed the company in a press statement.

The laboratory was formally inaugurated by Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India.

With an annual R&D budget of more than €700 million, Michelin has over 6,000 employees engaged in research, development and process engineering at Technology Centers in Europe, North America and Asia, added the company.

Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said “Our vibrant economic partnership with India is boosted by France’s leading companies such as Michelin which actively contribute to “Make in India” and bring research and development technology expertise here.”

“Along with providing innovative products to India and other emerging markets in the region, this technology center will also help augment skilling, thus contributing to the Indian government’s National Skill Development Mission, a key parameter for global competitiveness for India.”

Philippe Verneuil, President of Michelin Africa, India and Middle East said “Establishing a Technology Center supported by a materials testing laboratory is a demonstration of the high level of confidence that Michelin Group has for India and the business growth opportunities in the region.”

“This laboratory will provide impetus to our established innovation capabilities in India and will assist with material research for more robust and fuel efficient truck and bus tires," added Verneuil.

Serge Godefroid, Managing Director, Michelin India Technology Center said “We have a dynamic team of highly skilled technical experts who have been selected from premier institutes in India. All of them followed intense training at our research and development facilities in France and the US prior to taking their roles in India.”

“Michelin India’s R&D teams are now completely operational to offer our customers across emerging markets more adapted and innovative solutions,” continued Godefroid.

Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 111,700 employees and operates 68 production facilities in 17 countries which together produced 187 million tyres in 2016, claims the company.