- Global tire manufacturer to invest $174 million in expansion, create an additional 75 new jobs at Dayton facility
DAYTON, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Nokian Tyres officials announced today the company will double its tire production capabilities by investing $174.1 million to expand operations at its Dayton, Tennessee, facility.
Nokian Tyres, which opened its first U.S. factory in Dayton in 2019, will create an additional 75 new jobs in Rhea County, increasing its total headcount in Southeast Tennessee to approximately 475 people.
With the additional employment and construction of a 600,000-square-foot tire warehouse, Nokian Tyres will strengthen the company’s nine-warehouse network across the U.S. and Canada by reaching full production capacity of up to four million tires per year by 2024.
Hiring at the Dayton factory will begin in March. Those interested can apply here.
Founded in Finland, Nokian Tyres develops, manufactures and distributes its premium tires worldwide with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. Since establishing a presence in Rhea County three years ago, Nokian Tyres will have invested more than $400 million and created 475 new jobs in Tennessee once this expansion is complete.
Since 2018, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the Southeast Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 7,600 job commitments and nearly $3.3 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Tennessee’s business climate and unmatched workforce continue to attract world-class brands to the Volunteer State. These 75 new jobs will greatly benefit Tennesseans in Rhea County and across the region for years to come, and I thank Nokian Tyres for placing its confidence in Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Nokian Tyres has been a valued partner to the State of Tennessee since 2019, and today’s announcement is proof that our state’s workforce and business-friendly climate are clear advantages when recruiting global companies to Tennessee. We believe Dayton and Rhea County will continue to be the ideal location for this company’s growth and future success.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter
“As demand for our tires grows in the U.S. and Canada, our expanded Dayton Factory will supply customers with a rising number of safe, sustainable all-season and all-weather products. We are happy to see the factory provide more jobs for North American workers and more tires for North American drivers.” – Nokian Tyres Vice President of Sales Tommi Heinonen
“We strive to be an employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee, and that has been our focus since day one of our operations. As we grow, we’re excited about providing fulfilling opportunities for professional growth that will also help our factory and company grow.” –Dayton Factory Operations Director David Korda
“Rhea County is proud that Nokian Tyres calls us “home.” Nokian Tyres is such a great fit for this community, and we’re excited to be a part of their journey. This expansion adds another production line and a warehouse and distribution center to Nokian Tyres’ state-of-the-art facility, which proves that Nokian Tyres is deeply invested in this community. We are very pleased to have Nokian Tyres as part of our Rhea County family.” – Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent
“The City of Dayton, Tennessee, is proud to have Nokian Tyres as a part of our community and is in support of Nokian Tyres new expansion of its warehouse, distribution center and new production line. This expansion will impact our community, and we look forward to working with Nokian Tyres to make this project a reality.” – Dayton Mayor Hurley Marsh
“TVA and Dayton Electric Department congratulate Nokian Tyres on its decision to create new jobs and investment in Rhea County. Creating job opportunities is at the core of TVA’s mission to help improve the quality of life for the people we serve in the Valley, and we are proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Rhea County Economic and Community Development, City of Dayton and Rhea County in that mission and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“I’m proud to help announce that Nokian Tyres will be expanding their successful operations with the addition of 75 new jobs. This is an exciting day for our community as this announcement shows that Tennessee’s commitment to sound financial and pro-business policies are creating opportunities for our families to prosper. Rhea County and District 1 are open for business!” – Sen. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun)
“Nokian Tyres is an important member of our business community in Dayton. This expansion represents yet another significant investment by the company that will bring even more jobs and economic opportunities to our area. I congratulate Nokian Tyres on its remarkable success and look forward to its continued growth in Rhea County.” – Rep. Ron Travis (R-Dayton)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Public Information Officer
(615) 339-6608
[email protected]
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