Michelin has announced the closure of its factories in Cholet and Vannes, which together employ over 1,250 workers, with operations set to cease by early 2026.

The company's president, Fabien Menegaux, cited a slow degradation of Europe's competitiveness and increased competition from Asia as significant factors contributing to this decision.

Despite the closures, Michelin has pledged to create as many new jobs as the number lost in the affected regions.

Union representatives have reacted with outrage, labeling the decision a 'historic social betrayal' and criticizing management for a lack of consultation.

Local officials, including the mayor of Cholet, have condemned the closures as a brutal example of capitalism, emphasizing the long-standing history of Michelin in the area.

Workers at the factories expressed shock and anger at the announcement, with some preparing to protest amid rising tensions.

Following the news, employees at the Cholet site voted for a general strike, feeling betrayed after the abrupt announcement.

The decision comes in the context of a challenging economic climate for the automotive sector, with major companies struggling to recover to pre-COVID levels.

Production at the Cholet and Vannes sites has significantly declined, raising alarms about their future viability.

Menegaux emphasized that the closures were a last resort after exhausting all alternatives to improve production and address declining demand.

Acknowledging the shock this news brings to employees, Menegaux stated that operations at the affected sites will pause temporarily to allow workers to process the announcement.

In response to the closures, the French government has called for a comprehensive support plan for the affected workers and regions.