Michelin to cut up to 1,500 jobs in France over three years, citing 'chaotic' global context
French tyre giant Michelin announced a voluntary redundancy plan affecting up to 1,500 positions in France over three years, blaming economic instability, high costs, and fierce international competition.
The announcement
French tyre manufacturer Michelin informed staff representatives and trade unions on Thursday 28 May 2026 of a plan to adapt its workforce in France. The scheme is based exclusively on voluntary departures and will affect "up to 1,500 positions over three years," the group stated.
Up to 1,500 positions could be cut in France, two-thirds in tertiary functions and one-third in industry.
The company currently employs 17,000 people in France, meaning the plan would affect just under 10% of its domestic workforce.
Reasons cited
Michelin pointed to a "chaotic" global environment to justify the restructuring. In its press release, the Clermont-Ferrand-based group said the project aims to "optimise a cost structure that is today too high, support the evolution of professions, and simplify operating methods."
The manufacturer also highlighted increasing international competition, macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions, and a national context "characterised by strong economic and regulatory constraints."
Support measures
The planned support package includes "internal or external mobility pathways, retraining, and training," with the group committing to individually support each affected employee. The entire process is founded on voluntary participation, with no compulsory redundancies envisioned.
Recent history
This announcement comes roughly a year and a half after Michelin decided, at the end of 2024, to close two factories in Vannes (Morbihan) and Cholet (Maine-et-Loire). At that time, CEO Florent Menegaux denounced the "hyper-competition" from Chinese tyres.
We are facing hyper-competition from Chinese tyres.
The new voluntary departure plan extends the group's restructuring efforts as it navigates a persistently difficult competitive landscape.
Breakdown of cuts
According to Olivier Faure-Vauris, HR Director for France and Southern Europe, approximately two-thirds of the job reductions will fall on tertiary functions — administrative, commercial, and support roles — while the remaining third will affect industrial positions. The three-year timeline suggests a gradual implementation rather than an abrupt workforce reduction.
