Since the beginning of the global health crisis, Michelin has remained focused on the long-term health, safety and well-being of our employees, their families and the surrounding communities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelin North America donated 1 million masks to hospitals, medical facilities and essential businesses with a critical need. In addition, the company launched production of 400,000 masks and visors weekly and is supporting the production of reusable masks.

Michelin donated 100,000 face coverings to the Department of Health and Environmental Control in South Carolina. This donation was distributed directly to underserved communities throughout the state to ensure our most vulnerable communities were not overlooked and offered the same level of support and protection.

Additionally, Michelin provided 100,000 masks to the California Association of Food Banks to benefit underserved communities impacted by the pandemic and wildfires across the state.

Michelin recently recognized local essential workers who kept their community moving forward and have served as an example of continued safety vigilance. Unsung community heroes in Alabama, Indiana and South Carolina, all states where Michelin has significant operations, were recognized with a certificate of appreciation and a new set of MICHELIN^® CrossClimate^®2 or BFGoodrich^® All-Terrain T/A^® KO2 tires. There were 25 citizens honored across the three states representing a diverse group that spanned from school custodians to non-profit volunteers to firefighters to health professionals.

While a portion of our manufacturing sites were idled due to broad effects of the COVID-19 response, several of Michelin’s plants continued to operate at full or reduced capacity. Many of these plants are responsible for supplying tires for vehicles that are essential to keeping our country running including ambulances, firetrucks, military vehicles and trucks that carry goods across the country.

In response to the challenges faced by long-haul truck drivers from restaurant and rest stop closures, Michelin sites in Canada and the U.S., provided free lunches during the month of May as a way to express gratitude to these essential workers. 

Michelin implemented rigorous procedures inside of our plants to keep our employees safe. While considering how to protect our employees at work, we recognized that it is just as important that they are safe in the community. Consistent with our value of respect for people, we felt a responsibility to encourage vigilance to reduce positive COVID-19 cases across North America.

As a result, we partnered with community leaders to publish an op-ed and identified additional opportunities to underscore this important message, including press conferences at many of our sites, and meetings with local and state government officials.

Michael Williams, Director, Recruiting and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer