Around the Industry: Michelin Opens World's First Manufacturing Plant to Build Revolutionary Airless Radial Tire

Michelin recently opened its newest plant in North America, which will produce the Michelin X Tweel Airless Radial Tire for commercial applications.The Tweel is a revolutionary non-pneumatic tire that brings together the tire and wheel assembly into one solid unit. The Tweel comprises a rigid hub connected to a shear beam by means of flexible, deformable polyurethane spokes, all functioning as a single unit.Unlike conventional tires, the Tweel has no air, thereby solving what had seemed to be the unavoidable challenge of chronic flat tires that plagues the landscape, construction, contracting, refuse/recycling and agricultural industries.“The Tweel concept was born

Staff Writers

Jan. 1, 2015

Michelin recently opened its newest plant in North America, which will produce the Michelin X Tweel Airless Radial Tire for commercial applications.

The Tweel is a revolutionary non-pneumatic tire that brings together the tire and wheel assembly into one solid unit. The Tweel comprises a rigid hub connected to a shear beam by means of flexible, deformable polyurethane spokes, all functioning as a single unit.

Unlike conventional tires, the Tweel has no air, thereby solving what had seemed to be the unavoidable challenge of chronic flat tires that plagues the landscape, construction, contracting, refuse/recycling and agricultural industries.

“The Tweel concept was born at Michelin Americas Research Company in Greenville, South Carolina, one of Michelin’s three global technology centers, and now the Tweel will be manufactured right here in the Greenville area to satisfy a growing commercial market,” said Pete Selleck, Michelin North America chairman and president.