Nokian Tyres has made significant progress on its North American production plant and remains on schedule to begin commercial production in 2020.
The exteriors of the factory’s mixing tower and production building are largely complete, and workers are currently installing state-of-the-art manufacturing technology inside the facility, which is located 45 minutes north of Chattanooga. The level of automation will make the Nokian Tyres factory one of the most advanced tire production facilities in the world.
“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made and continue working to complete construction on schedule,” said Nokian Tyres Facility Design and Construction Manager David Korda. “It is a privilege to collaborate with so many skilled partners on this project.”
The $360 million, 830,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Southeast Tennessee will serve customers across the United States and Canada while doubling down on Nokian Tyres’ commitment to safe, sustainable products and processes. Approximately 200 workers are on the construction site each day building the company’s first North American production factory and bolstering the local economy in the process.
The Dayton Factory will fuel the company’s quest to double North American sales by 2023. It will specialize in producing North American-specific car and light truck all-season tires. The facility will also increase the company’s production and warehouse capacity, allowing it to meet increasing demand in the North American market. In addition to making four million tires each year, Nokian Tyres will also be able to store as many as 600,000 tires at an onsite distribution facility.
The Dayton Factory will enable Nokian Tyres to grow its global presence. The expanded production volume will allow each of the company’s global tire plants to tailor production to the needs of its target markets, resulting in an enhanced product mix and even stronger service to customers.
Last week the company launched the first phase of hiring for the Dayton Factory. It aims to hire approximately 50 workers in early 2019 and as many as 150 employees by the end of the year. Team members will receive intensive training at the factory and at Nokian Tyres’ two European production facilities.
“We strive to be the employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee, thanks to world-class technology and a robust company culture,” says Nokian Tyres Operations Director Peter Chia, who will manage the facility. “We believe this factory will make the region proud and position our company for continued growth.”
Those interested in applying for jobs or learning more about the factory can get information at NokianTyres.com/DaytonFactory.