The French company Michelin successfully participated in the Media Day organized by the Guanajuato Automotive Cluster (CLAUGTO), an event that opened the doors of the automotive industry to the media, aiming to connect them directly with the ecosystem that powers the Automotive Supply Forum—one of the most important industrial gatherings in Mexico.
Throughout the day, Michelin reaffirmed the strategic importance of Mexico and Central America for its global operations, highlighting its León plant as the most modern facility in the Group worldwide. This site, which began operations in 2018, has accumulated investments of $910 million across two phases and has produced more than 15 million high-tech tires for cars and light trucks.
Currently, the plant operates on approximately 70% of its 120-hectare site, and the company does not rule out a future expansion—dependent on demand in the premium segment Michelin serves.
Visitors to the plant tour learned firsthand about the different phases of the production process, as well as the company’s efforts in sustainable mobility, circular economy, and community engagement. The plant employs 2,000 people and is notable for its young workforce (75% under 35 years old) and strong female participation at 38%, exceeding the historical averages in heavy manufacturing in Mexico.
Michelin also reiterated its commitment to local development by advancing agreements signed in 2024 with Conalep and Cecyteg-Romita. As a result of this collaboration, 21 students have joined the plant in supervised internships, as part of a strategy to strengthen technical education and create professional opportunities in Guanajuato.
The León plant was designed from the start to operate with 98% clean energy, allowing for a 96% reduction in Scope 2 CO₂ emissions compared to plants using natural gas. This initiative aligns with Michelin’s global commitment to sustainable operations.
Additionally, the plant has implemented a local-to-local production strategy to supply nearby customers. A notable case was the relocation of production for an Original Equipment Manufacturer in Celaya, reducing delivery distance from 5,300 to just 130 kilometers—eliminating two days of transport and reducing CO₂ emissions by 3.3 tons per trip.
Michelin has set the goal of manufacturing 100% sustainable tires by 2050. Currently, 31% of the materials used in its products are renewable or recycled, with plans to reach 40% by 2030. This was emphasized by Juan Pablo Ríos, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Michelin Mexico and Central America.
