Michelin Tyres Plc

2025

Earlier this year, M2 Construction successfully delivered a focused fire safety upgrade project for Michelin Tyres Plc, a globally recognised name in tyre manufacturing. The project was carried out at one of their operational UK factory sites and formed part of a wider fire strategy compliance programme, aimed at protecting both staff and the structural integrity of the building.

The key objective was to ensure that the fire rating and compartmentation were brought in line with the current fire strategy requirements – particularly where new structural openings had been introduced.

Working within a live factory environment, our team completed the works safely and efficiently, with close cooperation from the client’s in-house health and safety team.

The Brief

Michelin required the removal of existing heavy-duty roller shutters, which no longer met their evolving fire strategy and safety standards. The new installation needed to include:

• A new structural support framework for the shutters
• Fire-rated shutters tied into the building’s fire alarm system
• Armco barrier protection to prevent accidental impact damage
• All work to be carried out with minimal disruption to ongoing factory operations

With the plant remaining live and active throughout, maintaining safety, cleanliness, and access was a top priority.

Our Approach

Safe Removal & Site Preparation

The first stage of the project involved the careful removal of the old heavy-duty shutters. Given the weight and size of the original units, this required precision and planning to ensure safety, particularly in a live setting.

Once removed, the openings were assessed and prepared to accept the new fire-rated framework. This stage included the installation of steel support structures, purpose-built to take the load of the new shutters and to meet fire resistance specifications.

Working in a Live Factory Environment

Factory work always comes with unique challenges. In this case, maintaining full compliance with Michelin’s health and safety procedures was non-negotiable. Our team worked alongside their safety managers to plan work areas, limit disruption, and ensure plant staff and contractors remained safe at all times.

The presence of M2’s experienced site operatives, supported by regular toolbox talks and clear communication, meant the project progressed smoothly without affecting factory operations.

Solution to the Brief

The new installation featured:

• Fire-Rated Shutters: Installed in place of the old roller units, these shutters were chosen to meet fire resistance requirements as per the site’s latest fire strategy. Crucially, the shutters were linked directly to the fire alarm system, ensuring automatic closure in the event of an emergency.
• Steel Support Framework: Custom-fabricated to suit the opening dimensions and load requirements, the steel framework provided both structural strength and fire protection integrity.
• Armco Barrier Protection: To protect the new installations from forklift and vehicular impact, Armco-style barriers were installed around each shutter opening. This helped prevent damage to both the shutters and the surrounding structural elements.

All installations were completed in line with industry best practice, using certified materials and methods to meet compliance, durability, and safety standards.

Challenges and Solutions

• Live Operational Setting: Maintaining a safe working environment within a functioning factory required constant attention. We implemented phased working zones, scheduled key activities outside of peak times, and maintained clear communication with site managers.
• Structural Integrity: With new openings introduced as part of broader factory changes, the fire strategy required enhanced compartmentation. Our team worked closely with fire safety consultants to ensure all framework and shutter installations supported this goal.
• Health & Safety Compliance: M2 Construction took a collaborative approach to site safety, aligning fully with Michelin’s internal procedures and standards, and conducting regular checks throughout the project.

Outcome

The project was delivered on time and to a high standard, meeting all specified requirements set out by Michelin Tyres Plc and their fire consultants.

The factory now benefits from:

• Fire-rated shutters that enhance compartmentation
• A system that is fully integrated with the fire alarm
• Robust protection for shutter openings through Armco barriers
• Improved safety and resilience without disruption to operations

This project showcases M2 Construction’s ability to deliver specialist, safety-critical construction work in challenging live environments. By combining technical expertise with practical site management, we helped a global manufacturer strengthen its fire safety infrastructure with confidence..

Get in touch with us HERE to discuss a project with one of the team!