Plans giving hope to hundreds of sacked workers have been unveiled for a mothballed Michelin tyre factory
Scottish Enterprise, council and the French firm’s bosses want to transform the Dundee site into a major innovation centre.
They are equal partners in the Michelin-Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) and are confident the campus will become a hub for cutting-edge technologies, sustainable transport and low-carbon energy.
In the long term, they hope to replace the 850 jobs that will be lost when tyre production ends next June.
Prince William, who visited the factory in January to speak to workers, has asked to be kept updated on developments.
Michelin factory manager John Reid, who is also MSIP chief executive, said last night: “Michelin has invested heavily in this site over the last few years, spending £90million to create a factory that had another 10 to 15 years in front of it.
“The site wasn’t being run down – investments were being made right up to the closure announcement.
“Key offerings from us are infrastructure, space and a very talented workforce.
“When we repurpose this site, we hope some of the talent will be retained or workers who have found other opportunities will return.”
MSIP plans to split the 32-hectare site into three sections.
The production buildings will be used for advanced manufacturing, with room for hundreds of workers.
There will also be an innovation campus, with a large skills academy and space for start-ups, and a green space for cutting-edge technologies such as hydrogen production.
Reid said more than 30 firms had expressed an interest but warned that replacing all the Michelin jobs could take years.
He added: “I’ve met managing directors and factory managers and there is real interest in the site.”
