According to Michelin’s president and chairman, Dick Wilkerson, the company is on its way to recovery from the recession. Year-to-date global sales for the tire company are up 19.8%, productivity is up and the company is hiring both professional and production employees. This is good news for the Upstate as more jobs will continue to come as a result of the company’s success. New hires to date in the North American plant total 1,450 employees, with a total of 7,720 South Carolinians currently employed. This number is up from the 7,500 employees at the end of 2009.

Several key factors are the reason for Michelin’s success during the recent recession. One being the company simply planned ahead. Dick Wilkerson, who has been with the company for 30 years, has been through four recessions and has learned a few things over the past three decades. During the latest recession, they kept their talent and experience to rebound quicker when the economy turned around. Another element in the company’s success was the decision to include employees when financial results improved. This alone seemed to improve individual commitment and overall energy of the company. Michelin let its employees know how important they were and rewarded them financially as things improved.

Hiring is currently on the rise in the North American plant as well. According to an article with the Greenville News, Wilkerson sited three reasons for the hiring increase. As older employees are retiring, new employees must come on board to take their place. Due to a slow season in 2009, hiring was placed on hold, now as things are improving the company is playing catch up in their regular hiring. The final reason for the hiring influx is Michelin North America has been asked by Michelin Group to help start up new tire manufacturing companies in both China and India.

Overall, it boils down to three specific reasons for the success of the mega tire company; planning ahead, cost reduction, and prior experience with previous recessions. The company learned from the past and applied those principles to the future to ensure a more successful company and one that will stand the test of time.