Michelin® has a strong history of growth based on providing solutions that deliver value, performance and safety. Here are some of the highlights: 1946 – MICHELIN X-radial tire registered-an entirely new concept 1952 – ......Michelin® has a strong history of growth based on providing solutions that deliver value, performance and safety. Here are some of the highlights: 1946 – MICHELIN X-radial tire registered-an entirely new concept 1952 – First radial truck tire 1953 – First radial industrial tire 1959 – First radial earthmover tire for dump trucks 1966 – Vitoria, Spain, manufacturing plant opens 1970 – First multi-purpose mining tire is introduced-the XRB Montceau-les-Mines, France, manufacturing facility opens 1973 – Test center opens in Almeria, Spain 1976 – First tread pattern for difficult mine and quarry conditions-the XKD1 LePuy, France, manufacturing plant opens 1980 – Michelin Earthmover tire line is now all radial 1982 – First radial tire designed specifically for loaders-the XMINE D2 1988 – Product line now full-range for specific applications 1992 – First 57-inch tire designed specifically for loaders-55/80R57 XMINE D2 1996 – Michelin forms division dedicated solely to earthmover tires 1998 – Lexington, S.C., USA, manufacturing plant opens Low-pressure technology tires for giant haul trucks introduced MEMS, the first fully functional tire pressure and temperature monitoring system, is introduced New radial tire designed specifically for rigid dump trucks in brutal quarry environments, X-Quarry 1999 – New tire for skid-steer loaders introduced-the XZSL 2000 – Revolutionary tire for rigid dump trucks is introduced-boosting tire life by 20%--the XDR