Nokian Tires announced it has opened a new research and development center in Nokia, Finland to address demand for premium heavy duty tires.

The modern research and development center accelerates the testing phase of new tire models, maintaining the premium quality that Nokian Tires has been known for 120 years.

“In the entire history of Nokian Tires, this is the most remarkable investment in the product development of heavy tires”, says Nokian Heavy Tires R & D Manager Kalle Kaivonen.

The new R & D Center with ca. 3 500 square meters is part of a substantial production capacity increase. A year ago, Nokian Heavy Tires, part of the Nokian Tires group, reacted to growing global demand of tires with an ongoing 3-year R & D and production investment of approximately EUR 70 million and 50% production capacity growth target.

“Everything is well on schedule. The first stage of production plant expansion is complete, and the second part will be ready in April 2019. In Summer 2019 we will start the installation of new machinery”, tells Nokian Heavy Tires Plant Director Pasi Antinmaa.

“The center will be filled with modern machinery”, says Nokian Heavy Tires Development Manager Matti Kaunisto. “We can triple the number of tires tested and test more variables to serve our OEM clients with the highest standards.”

The new modern testing machinery of the R & D Center and increasingly specific data collection will ensure Nokian Heavy Tires leads the upcoming revolution of heavy work. New innovations will enable the development of groundbreaking future solutions. For instance, to move safely and predictably without driver’s experience and evaluation, the steering system of unmanned vehicle sets higher demands on tire industry.

“Unmanned tractors will be working among us in the future, and those machines need premium tires as well as comprehensive data of those tires to make steering safe and accurate”, says Kaunisto.

Tagged: Matti Kaunisto

Nokian opens new research center for heavy duty tires in Finland