Michelin Action Group announced to try and save Dundee tyre plant

A group which is tasked with securing a sustainable future of the Michelin plant in Dundee has been announced by Economy Secretary Derek Mackay.

The Michelin Action Group will meet for the first time on Monday 12 November and will be led by Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Steve Dunlop and Dundee City Council Leader, John Alexander.

Michelin trades union members will represent the workforce alongside plant manager John Reid.

Leading business experts will also join the action group, providing vital industry knowledge.

The 845 workers at the factory were told earlier this week that the site would close in 2020.

Despite confirming they intend to close the plant within two years, Michelin have agreed to look in detail at any proposals for the future of the plant that are brought forward by the action group or trades unions.

Mr Mackay said:

“I have been clear that the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find a viable and sustainable future for the plant and its highly skilled workforce.

“The Michelin Action Group will work tirelessly in the coming weeks to explore all options and provide Michelin with a proposition that demonstrates what support can offered, be it business rates or financial aid, to help retain a presence in Dundee.

“Working with the workforce and industry experts, the group will examine how the plant could be repurposed for the future if Michelin decide to press ahead with the closure.”

Councillor John Alexander, Leader of Dundee City Council added:

“It is imperative that the membership of the Action Group reflects stakeholders, experience and those with an ability to find solutions. I’m delighted to say that I believe those identified do just that.

“This Action Group will hit the ground running with one focus, to retain Michelin’s footprint in Dundee. I want to thank the Scottish Government in particular, for their unwavering support for the workforce and the city at this difficult time.”

The member of the Michelin Action Group are:

• Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Finance

• Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise

• Councilor John Alexander, Leader of Dundee City Council

• David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland

• John Reid, Site Director, Michelin Dundee

• Professor Keith Ridgway, Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

• Sarah Jardine, Chair of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service Board

• Marc Jackson, Michelin Dundee Site Convenor, Unite

• Dougie Maguire, Regional Unite Convenor, Unite

• Bob Macgregor, Regional officer, Unite

• Davie Brady, Michelin Dundee Branch Convenor, Unite

• David Martin, Chief Executive of Dundee City Council

• Ellis Watson, Chair of Tay Cities Enterprise Forum

• Tim Allan, Deputy Chair of the Tay Cities Enterprise Forum and President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce

• Alison Henderson, Chief Executive of Dundee Chamber of Commerce

• Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland

Advice will also be sought from a range of Manufacturing Leaders including Dr Hamid Mughal, Co-Chair of the Strategic Leadership Group of the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland. Membership of the group will develop as the work is undertaken with all relevant Ministers playing a full part.