Michelin opens tire operation in Mexico

QUERETARO, Mexico (April 18)—Michelin North America Inc. will begin manufacturing tires in Mexico in May through a new operating division, AutoPartes Internocionales de Queretaro. Initially, Michelin will have a work force of about 100 to make the tires, but that figure is expected to grow to 400 by year-end, a spokeswoman said. APIQ will make BFGoodrich brand radial passenger tires for the Mexican market and for export. "We are encouraged by Mexico's industrial development policies, by the availability of the highly skilled work force that our new operation requires, by a labor agreement that creates a new level of teamwork, and by the federal, state and local governments' positive response to our commitment," Chairman and President Jim Micali said.