Kelly celebrates Michelin’s $100M investment, creation of 200 jobs
JUNCTION CITY – Governor Laura Kelly celebrates the announcement that Michelin will invest more than $100 million into its Junction City operations over the next five years, creating 200 new jobs. The investment will increase the company’s production capacity of Camso rubber tracks for agricultural equipment.
“Michelin’s expansion is further proof that the work we are doing to recruit, retain, and expand business in the state is paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, 200 more Kansans will have quality jobs and Junction City will continue to grow, benefiting the state as a whole.”
“At Michelin, we are proud to partner with our customers who are meeting the challenge of feeding the world more efficiently while protecting the environment,” Michelin North America President and CEO Alexis Garcin said. “This investment in agricultural tracks capacity is further evidence of our commitment to bring Michelin’s all-sustainable strategy to life in North America, positioning the company as a leader in this fast-growing market segment and creating careers that will benefit 200 families in the community.”
Camso, a brand under the Michelin Group, specializes in off-road tires, rubber tracks, and systems for material handling, construction, agriculture, and power sports industries.
“Michelin’s strategic expansions continue to create more opportunities for hard-working Kansas families,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly Administration’s goal to bring prosperity to all Kansas communities is happening – one solid investment like this at a time.”
Kansas is home to three Michelin manufacturing plants, all specializing in agricultural applications like rubber tracks and wheels. The other two facilities are in Emporia.
Through steady investment in Kansas, Michelin has increased production and the number of people employed in the state. In the past two years, more than $20 million was invested to expand and improve the Emporia facilities. In Junction City, the estimated 200 new positions will increase that plant’s workforce to 375 by 2026.
“As a leader in the beyond road segment, this investment is additional proof of our commitment to partner with our customers,” said Erick Bellefleur, Senior Vice President of the global Beyond Road business line. “With this investment, we’ll not only be able to meet a growing need in the agriculture market, but we will also continue to add to our workforce in Kansas where our teams are eager to meet tomorrow’s challenges and serve are customers who are also our neighbors.”