EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: A POWERFUL MICHELIN STRENGTH SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES: AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY FOR MICHELIN Felix, can you tell us how Michelin acts responsibly when it has to reorganize its production operations? When a facility closes, regardless of the circumstances or the country, Michelin continues to uphold its responsibility, both for the people concerned and for local labor markets and ecosystems. This means that our priority is to deploy an array of measures to support our employees, including support in finding a new job, retraining or relocating. In every country where we restructure, our response exceeds compliance with local regulations. In accordance with our All Sustainable commitment, we also fulfill our responsibility to local communities by offering solutions, in conjunction with local authorities, to revitalize the local ecosystem and create new jobs. Michelin has carried out several restructuring programs in Germany since 2019. How have the employees been supported? After we announced the closure of our Bamberg plant in 2019, all of the 858 impacted employees were supported in finding a solution through retirement, transfer to another Group facility, outplacement or retraining in a new job. The restructuring announced in 2023, involving 1,532 employees at three facilities in Germany, is still underway. Michelin has set up a voluntary separation program based on comprehensive employee support services. There haven’t been any dismissals, because every one of the impacted employees accepted the voluntary separation offer. Michelin assumes all its responsibilities and commitments in these periods of transition that are difficult for employees and their families. Practically speaking, what has been done for the impacted labor markets? In Bamberg, a forward-facing project was undertaken in association with local stakeholders to build the new 6,000 sq.m Cleantech Innovation Park on the former Michelin site. The Park, which will soon be inaugurated, will offer an ecosystem of working environments for companies, research institutes and universities active in artificial intelligence, digitalization and sustainable mobility. In addition, other companies have moved onto our former site, which helped to create new jobs. Everywhere we are currently closing facilities, we have liaised with local stakeholders from the outset to find sustainable solutions for each local community. Giulia, you studied life sciences and neuroscience and began your career in academic research. What drew you to Michelin? Well, previously I was working for a medical start-up, so I really was far removed from the culture of a big manufacturing corporation and the world of mobility issues. But medical research, where I come from, and materials science, where Michelin has been an expert for 130 years, both share a focus on fundamental research and a commitment to improving people’s daily lives. What motivated me to join Michelin was just that – the challenge of leveraging the Group’s tremendous potential for innovation to develop truly life-changing applications and help to shape a more desirable future. I felt that it was too exciting an opportunity to pass up. What also attracted me, and what is deeply innovative, is the importance given to everyone’s training and personal growth throughout their career paths, particularly at the Manufacture des Talents. What do you think are the main factors underlying employee engagement at Michelin? I’m lucky enough to work in the Michelin Engineered Polymers business unit, which is exploring business opportunities in the life sciences to benefit both people and the planet. This is the main engagement lever, our dream: to know that we’re working together to create a more sustainable future. Working for Michelin means experiencing, every day, the full value of exchanging ideas, openly communicating and collaborating in every aspect of our jobs. This is how we foster respect for people, innovation and boldness as pillars of engagement. THE MANUFACTURE DES TALENTS, AN UNRIVALED TRAINING ECOSYSTEM Because Michelin staunchly believes in supporting everyone’s personal growth, because every job is going to undergo profound change, and because Michelin is committed to enhancing the appeal of its host communities, in 2022, it created the Manufacture des Talents to offer a one-of-a-kind learning experience focused on innovation, excellence and inclusion, in both current and emerging jobs. Initially intended for Group employees, and available in nearly 10 countries, its programs have now been opened to employees of other companies in France and North America, to give everyone, everywhere in the world, the desire and ability to learn and pass on knowledge throughout their working lives. Felix Wall, Program Management Office, Northern Europe Region 01 Giulia Spampinato, Process Engineering and Digitalization Project Manager – Michelin Engineered Polymers Putting people first in our vision Turning challenges into success 29 2024 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT_MICHELIN
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