Nokian Tyres on Thursday opened its passenger car tyre factory in Oradea, north-western Romania, with the company’s executives saying that it is world’s first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO2 emissions.
The factory was built under an investment project worth EUR 650 million euros, the largest investment in Romania in recent years, including state aid from the Romanian government worth some EUR 100 million.
„We are very pleased to be inaugurating our Oradea factory today. It will strengthen our capability to serve our customers in Central Europe and beyond and support our growth as planned toward net sales of EUR 2 billion. With our full-scale zero CO2 emission tyre factory we are ready to lead the industry and set the new standard for sustainable tyre manufacturing,” said Jukka Moisio, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres.
He added that the entire construction process was highly efficient, and he thanked everyone who made this achievement possible.
The inauguration of the plant in Oradea took place in the presence of Romania’s Minister of Labour Simona Bucura-Oprescu, senior governmental officials, county and local officials, the ambassadors of Finland and Romania, together with the board of directors and the management team of Nokian Tyres, as well as about 200 guests. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also sent a message through adviser Florin Spataru.
„Today we are experiencing an important moment not only to Romania, but also to the global tyre production industry, with the inauguration of the world’s first tyre factory with zero carbon dioxide emissions. The support that the Ciolacu Government has given for this investment, as well as to many others, is support for Romania’s development and for better jobs for Romanians,” said Bucura-Oprescu.
Bihor County Council Chair Ilie Bolojan mentioned the impressive technological level of the investment and congratulated the team of builders, engineers, designers and specialists who built together the factory, thanking for the opportunity to introduce Oradea into the global economic value chains.
Covering 54 hectares, the construction of the factory lasted less than 15 months, laying the foundations for commercial production that will start in early 2025. Currently the factory offers jobs for 160 employees, with the possibility of expanding their number up to 500, although most of the work is automated. Most of the employees participated in training courses in Finland.
The Nokian Tyres plant in Oradea operates without utilising any fossil energy, making it the world’s first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO2 emissions.
According to Nokian Tyres’ senior vice president for operational excellence, Adrian Kaczmarczyk, the factory makes Nokian Tyres, once more, a pioneer of the tyre industry. All electricity used at the Romania Oradea factory is CO2 emission free. Part of the electricity used in the factory is generated by on-site solar power units. Steam used to cure the tyres is generated by innovative electric boilers which use fully CO2 emission free electricity instead of the usual fossil fuels such as coal or gas. In addition, the tyre manufacturing process is very energy efficient as the factory is using the most modern technology and machinery.
„With our new Oradea factory, we are truly demonstrating our commitment to sustainability,” said Kaczmarczyk.
Construction on the Oradea factory started in May 2023, with the first tyre being produced here in July 2024. The facility includes the production unit, a distribution facility for storage and distribution of tyres, and mixing, utility and administrative buildings. Commercial production is scheduled to start in early 2025.
The project is ramping up to the annual capacity of 6 million tyres, with expansion potential in the future. The factory will focus on passenger car tyre production to be primarily sold in the Central European market as it is strategically located close to that area’s customers.
Nokian Tyres chose Oradea as the location for the new tyre factory as a result of a thorough evaluation, including more than 40 sites in various European countries. Among the criteria supporting the decision were talent, business environment, infrastructure, real estate and utilities, operational cost and risks.
„We were looking not only for a location, but also for a partner,” said Nokian Board Chairman Jukka Hienonen.
„The work done in the last years is aimed at bringing us closer to our customers, creating a sound foundation for future sustainable growth. Oradea is now home to us, and we are committed to be a good neighbour, supporting the community, the regional economy and each member of our team,” said Susanna Tusa, General Director and Vice President of Nokian Tyres Romania.
Along with the construction work, Nokian Tyres conducted a recruitment campaign for attracting skilled employees, with a focus on local talents in Bihor County.
AGERPRES
