French tyre major Michelin to double India capacity

Plans to focus on OEM market, announces tie up with Ashok Leyland

French tyre manufacturer Michelin will double its manufacturing capacity in its Chennai facility to 30,000 tonnes per annum by the end of year 2018, as part of its plan to expand its presence in the truck tyre market both in India and abroad.

Currently the manufacturing facility near Chennai has a capacity of around 15,000 tonne a year.

"We had very small presence in some countries and India was one of them. But I am confident about the growth of India, where we are looking at a long-term presence," said Jean-Dominique Senard, chief executive officer of Michelin Group.