PARIS — Michelin said it will eliminate as many as 2,900 jobs at its home-base in France in the next two years under a draft program. According to a company spokeswoman, the program could allow for the recruitment of as many people. The program was designed to help ensure a competitive stance in the Western market.

Most of the jobs will be eliminated through attrition or early retirement, said the global tiremaker. The company is offering early retirement on a voluntary basis for 6,000 employees between 2004 and 2006. The company employed approximately 24,400 people at the end of 2003.

The company said it expects to recruit 600 people in 2004 and 1,200 to 1,300 people each year in 2005 and 2006, she said. The plan would be put to the group’s works committee on June 16.

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