Nokian’s biggest investment takes shape
Nokia Heavy Tyres' recent investment will see an increase in the production of commercial tyres and a new 3500sqm R&D building
Nokian Heavy Tyres have announced a massive undertaking—to increase the production of commercial tyres up to 50% and more than double the number of new products by investing heavily in production and product development.
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The 3500sqm R&D building
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The total investment will be approximately €70 million. Matti Kaunisto, development manager at Nokian Tyres, says he can now actually see the vast 3500-square-meter R&D building starting to take shape.
"Seeing it on a screen is one thing," Matti says, "but once you stand there, you really sense the space." Plans for the installation of machinery are already well underway.
"The construction schedule was ambitious, but we have kept it well," says Matti. "Once the building is finished, it will boost our innovation work and speed up the time-to-market."
Factory extension
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Matti Kaunisto and Kalle Kaivonen, R&D director
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Another construction project involves expanding the production facilities, and as far as the construction work goes, it’s already finished.
"The building is erected, and the installing the machinery is in full flight," says plant director Pasi Antinmaa. "We will reach the full capacity in 2021.
"The next milestone will be the highly automated visual inspection and tyre buffer storage in August.
"By implementing the Lean model, we have been able to increase our delivery ability by 15% already this year—in the middle of the ongoing renovations."
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