Transformation of Dundee Michelin site could create over 800 jobs
The plant will be turned into an innovation centre over the next decade as production gets set to end next year
Last updated 6th Nov 2019
Bosses at a new innovation centre at Dundee's Michelin plant are hoping to re-create over 800 jobs which will be lost.
A £60m funding package will transform the site over the next decade, with a move from producing tyres to sustainable mobility and low carbon energy.
Production at the plant will end by June 2020, but leaders of the joint venture between Scottish Enterprise, Michelin and Dundee City Council are confident jobs will be restored
Chief Exec of the new Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, John Reid said: "We've got a ten year plan which is targeted at 850 (workers) but the potential is to go beyond that.
"It's a big sight, 32 hectares and at the moment we only cover about 60% of that with buildings.
"There is space to make it even bigger."
Scott Parker has worked at the Baldovie Road site for 25 years and said he's optimistic about the future.
"They could've just closed the doors, put a padlock on the gate and walked away," he said.
"They're creating something here, it's unique."
Scotland's finance secretary visited the plant this morning to reveal the plans.
"We're putting our money where our mouth is, it's £30m from Scottish Governement and our agencies and £30m from Michelin, who have now decided to stay," said Mr Mackay.
"It will ensure there will be future employment for the people in the region as well as the city of Dundee."
More than 400 workers have already found new employment with another 400 currently working at the site.
It's not yet clear how many will be kept on once the factory closes.
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