Since 1971, Canada has played a vital role in Michelin's journey. From our first North American plant in Pictou County, Nova Scotia to our new distribution centre in Cornwall, Ontario and corporate office in Montreal, Quebec, Michelin continues to deliver innovative solutions to customers nationwide, while making significant contributions to Canadian communities.
Our Story
In 1969, François Michelin made a pivotal decision to expand his company to North America. Of all the places he could have built a manufacturing base, he chose Canada, not only for its proximity to key markets and access to rail and shipping routes, but also for something more meaningful: the quality of the people who live and work here.
1969
Michelin selects Canada as its entry point into the North American market
1971
Opening of the Pictou County, Nova Scotia plant – Michelin’s first in North America
1971
Michelin opens a second manufacturing plant in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
1982
Expansion continues with the Waterville, Nova Scotia plant
Michelin Canada Today: Built to Last
More than 50 years after first setting roots in Nova Scotia, Michelin Canada continues to excel in manufacturing, innovation, and workforce excellence. Our commitment to Canadian communities remains as strong as ever.
We proudly:
Operate four manufacturing facilities in Canada : Pictou County, Bridgewater, Waterville (Nova Scotia) and Shawinigan (Quebec).
Employ over 4,500 people, supporting skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
Built a new 984,000 sq. ft. distribution centre in Cornwall, Ontario, a hub for Michelin’s Canadian logistics.
Maintain corporate offices in Pictou County (Nova Scotia), Montreal and Magog (Quebec).
Proud Past. Promising Future.
Michelin’s commitment to Canada is long-term and forward-looking. In 2023, we announced a $300 million investment in our Nova Scotia operations, one of the largest in Michelin Canada's history. This investment focused on:
Expanding and modernizing our production capabilities
Supporting the transition to energy-efficient manufacturing
Creating and securing skilled jobs to support communities in the region
Our growth extends beyond Nova Scotia. We’ve also:
Established a new corporate office in Montreal (Quebec)
Opened a 984,000 sq. ft. distribution centre in Cornwall, Ontario, to improve supply chain efficiency
These investments are part of Michelin’s broader vision to strengthen our Canadian footprint and lead the transition to sustainable mobility, today and into the future.
Driven by People, Connected by Community
Giving back to our communities isn’t simply a matter of being a responsible corporate citizen for Michelin; the opportunity to forge an engaged relationship is what brought Michelin to rural Nova Scotia more than 50 years ago.
We believe that being a responsible employer also means being a good neighbour: supporting local well-being, investing in people, and growing alongside the places we call home. Here are just a few of the organizations we’re partnering with across the country.
Breakfast Club of Canada
In collaboration with the Breakfast Club of Canada, Michelin is helping ensure students across the country start their day with a healthy meal. Michelin Canada supports the Club’s mission of serving over 500,000 children annually through more than 3,300 breakfast programs nationwide.
Special Olympics Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, Michelin has a longstanding and heartfelt relationship with the Special Olympics. Since 1988, Michelin has been the Presenting Sponsor of the provincial Summer Games.
Nova Scotia Nature Trust
Through the support of Nova Scotia Nature Trust's Twice the Wild initiative, and as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Inspired by Nature gala, Michelin is helping to ensure that the beautiful and unique wild places will be here for all to enjoy, for generations to come.
Proud to Grow with Canada
From our first commercial offices in Canada in 1955 to the opening of our first plant in 1971 and our continued growth today, Michelin’s story in Canada is one of people, progress, and partnership. As global transportation evolves, Michelin Canada remains a cornerstone of innovation for a better tomorrow.