The public will have a rare chance to tour the Michelin tyre factory in Dundee as it joins the Doors Open Days scheme for the first time.
The insight into the heritage and inner workings of the state-of-the-art car tyre factory at Baldovie is being offered as part of the Scottish Civic Trust’s initiative.
A limited number of people will receive a guided tour of the site next weekend.
Michelin’s was the first plant in the world to install wind turbines to help to reduce the environmental impact of the factory and also its energy bills.
It is the only tyre manufacturer in Scotland and its Dundee factory has the capacity to produce more than seven million car and van tyres a year for export all over the world.
The manufacturing operation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the tours will be given by Michelin Dundee employees.
Those who receive a pass will learn about what happens inside a modern manufacturing facility, as well as being shown what goes into making a car tyre.
Ian Peart, head of personnel and communications at Michelin Dundee, said: ”Our Dundee factory has been employing people from the region for decades and today has nearly 900 members of staff. As well as providing local jobs, the factory is a major Scottish exporter and helps to sustain the local economy. It even has its own wind turbines. As such, it’s easy to see why such significance is placed on its existence.
”We’re very excited to welcome our special visitors as part of the Doors Open initiative. I believe projects like this are of vital importance if we are to preserve and celebrate our tight-knit, local identity.”
To register for tickets to the Story of a Tyre tours at Michelin Dundee, visit michelinonline.co.uk/doorsopen
The closing date for entry is Friday September 21, and the tours take place on Saturday September 22 and Sunday September 23.
For more information about Doors Open Days, co-ordinated locally by Dundee University, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays