CLERMONT-FERRAND, France—Michelin plans to suspend production at some of its European tire plants for a few days in the coming weeks, in the wake Russia's attack on Ukraine and the subsequent impact on supply chains.
"Because of the current crisis, and like many industrial players in Europe, the Michelin Group is also facing major logistical and transportation issues in supplying its plants and delivering to customers," Michelin said in a March 3 statement.
To optimize operations and adapt flow management, Michelin will suspend manufacturing at certain plants. Each site will determine the specific duration and implementation of the stoppages individually.
Michelin also said it was analyzing "in real time" the sanctions that the international community implemented and is already complying with those in effect.
"The serious crisis currently unfolding in Ukraine is particularly impacting Europe," Michelin said. "Michelin is monitoring the situation at all times at the highest level of the company and expresses its full support for the victims of this conflict."
Michelin said it was striving to limit the impact on service to customers while implementing appropriate measures for employees, in accordance with local regulations.
Michelin operates 51 tire factories globally in 18 countries, including a plant in Davydovo, Russia, just east of Moscow.
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Earlier Nokian Tyres P. L.C. moved production of some of its key lines out of its plant in Russia to plants in Finland and the U.S., while securing "transport capacity from Russia with existing and new service providers."
The Finnish tire maker said in a statement that its plant, located in Vsevolozhsk, near St. Petersburg, is operating "normally," at full capacity, and that the shift in production had begun in September, months before the invasion, as part of its growth strategy.
Other companies with tire factories in Russia are: Bridgestone Corp., Continental A.G., Pirelli Tyre, Titan International Inc. and Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., along with four domestic makers.
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