Michelin North America (Canada) announced investments at its Granton, Nova Scotia plant to support the 2020 launch of a winter tire designed specifically for the North American market.

Michelin said that the launch of the new winter tire line will create 150 jobs at the plant and make permanent 200 temporary positions that previously were slated to end in 2020.

This project will expand Michelin’s employment in Nova Scotia to more than 3,600, according to Jeff MacLean, President, Michelin Canada. “This is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the support of our community and government partners, and our continued ability to deliver top-quality products for the North American marketplace.”

The project—budgeted at $9.2 million—includes site state-of-the art equipment, building renovations and new storage facilities. Nova Scotia is contributing $3.56 million to the project through the Nova Scotia Business. Innovation Rebate Program, and the province’s Department of Labor and Advanced Education will train some of the new employees for these projects.

Michelin said they budgeted $6.9 million to support the launch of the new winter tire. Production of the Latitude X-ice will continue at Granton until 2020, when resources will be redirected to the new tire.

“This project reinforces the strength and technical capability of the Michelin Nova Scotia team,” Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said. “We are also pleased that a Nova Scotia location has been chosen to be the first in North America for this innovative work with semi-finished materials. Michelin has been a very important part of our economy for several decades, and it’s wonderful to see this commitment to future growth and success in our province.”