Nokian Tyres has celebrated the opening of its North American production factory in Dayton, Tennessee. Trial production is now underway and operations are on track to begin in 2020.
With the establishment of the Dayton factory, Nokian aims to seize opportunities in the all-season and all-weather markets. The facility will produce approximately four million tires per year when it reaches full capacity. At that stage, the company expects to employee 400 individuals there.
The 830,000ft2 complex is said to be one of the most advanced tire production facilities in the industry.
Nokian Tyres has set a goal to double its North American sales in five years. “The grand opening of the Dayton factory is a key milestone in our growth journey,” said Nokian Tyres president and CEO Hille Korhonen. “Our hard-working multinational team has brought our company’s vision to life through relentless teamwork, and we’re eager to celebrate their accomplishment. The North American factory provides a premium relationship with our customers by making safe, sustainable products that are tailored to the needs of North American consumers.”
Around-the-clock collaboration between the company’s North American leadership, experts from Finland and Russia, construction workers, equipment installers and the enthusiasm of the first employees have ensured that the project run has so smoothly.
To minimize waste and emissions, solar panels, which will generate 3MW of electricity, will be installed in the parking lot, and by-products from production will be recycled.
