Michelin to Cut Up to 1,500 Jobs in France Over Three Years Through Voluntary Departures

Michelin, the French tire manufacturing leader, announced on May 28, 2026, a plan to reduce up to 1,500 jobs in France over the next three years. The job cuts will be implemented exclusively through voluntary departures, allowing employees to opt for leaving the company.

The restructuring affects approximately 17,000 employees in France, with the impacted workforce divided between sectors: about two-thirds work in tertiary functions, such as administrative and support roles, while one-third are employed in industrial positions. Olivier Faure-Vauris, Michelin's Director of Personnel for France and Southern Europe, highlighted this division in the affected employees, linking the plan to the company's broader operational adjustments within the country.

This announcement underscores Michelin’s strategy to streamline operations while still providing employees with the flexibility of voluntary exit, avoiding forced layoffs. Although the reduction represents a significant workforce adjustment, the company has framed it as a necessary step in adapting to current economic conditions.

The plan’s voluntary nature may help mitigate the impact on employee morale and labor relations, but it will inevitably affect many across various functions at Michelin over the coming years.