Nokian Tires plans to begin tire production at its Tennessee Factory in January 2020, following a five-month trial production process that began when the facility produced its first test tire on July 1.

The company plans to use the enhanced production volume to fill accelerating demand for its premium products in the region. By 2023, the facility will have the capacity to produce as many as four million tires per year and employ up to 400 workers. In addition to serving growing demand, the factory will enable Nokian Tires to shorten delivery lead times to its growing customer base and adapt its product mix to meet the needs of North American drivers.

“2019 was a pivotal year for us, from the opening of our Dayton factory to the introduction of new products and programs that will fuel our growth in the years ahead,” said Nokian Tires Senior Vice President, Americas Mark Earl.

“We are committed to being the employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing our employees with the skills, technology and support they need to succeed,” said Dayton Factory Operations Director Peter Chia. “Through a vibrant culture, this factory will embody our company’s ideals of entrepreneurship, inventiveness and team spirit.”

“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,” said Nokian Tires CEO Hille Korhonen.

Producing progress

Nokian Tires introduced three such products in 2019 and plans to deepen its tire lineup in 2020.

he company launched the Nokian One HT in tandem with the grand opening of its factory. There’s a reason for that: The new light truck product is the first of a line of new all-season products that will help Nokian Tires take aim at the North American all-season market, a primary reason it built a factory in the region. It’s the first of several innovative tires the company plans to introduce in the coming years.

The Nokian One HT leverages the company’s tradition of market-leading innovation to provide strength and comfort on North American roads. It will be exclusively sold in North America and becomes available to drivers in January.

“Our growth strategy starts with our product mix,” Earl said. “The Nokian ONE HT represents our enhanced efforts to give North American drivers what they need: in this case, a rugged, premium light-truck tire our dealers will enjoy selling.”

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 builds on the impeccable reputation of the company’s renowned flagship winter product line, offering a durable, versatile and eco-friendly tire crafted to meet the rigors of winter work. Nokian Tires introduced the product at a Colorado launch event in January and drew rave reviews for its innovation.

“When pushed hard, the LT3 exhibits great composure at the limit and excellent snow traction, thanks to its deep grooves and aggressive tread pattern,” said Car & Driver’s Max Mortimer.

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Nokian Tires to start production at its Tennessee plant in January 2020