Nokian inaugurates passenger car tire factory in Romania

Oradea, Romania – Nokian Tyres on 19 Sept staged an official opening ceremony at its new passenger car tire factory in Oradea.

The Romanian factory, it said, "operates without utilising any fossil energy, making it the world’s first full-scale tire factory with zero CO2 emissions."

The inauguration marked the completion of a two-year project and "sets the ground" for commercial production in early 2025, stated Nokian.

The opening was attended by Romanian and local government officials; ambassadors of Finland and Romania, Nokian executive and managers.

The Oradea factory “will strengthen our capability to serve our customers in central Europe and beyond ” said Jukka Moisio, president and CEO of Nokian Tyres.

The facility, according to the group leader, would also support the Finnish tire maker's growth plans to achieve net sales of €2 billion.

“With our full-scale zero CO2 emission tire factory we are ready to lead the industry and set the new standard for sustainable tire manufacturing,” added  Moisio.

At the Oradea plant, Nokian said it avoids the use of any energy generated by fossil fuels to enable the whole factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions.

Part of the electricity used in the factory is generated by on-site solar power units, while steam used to cure the tires is generated by innovative electric boilers.

The boilers use fully CO2 emission-free electricity instead of the usual fossil fuels such as coal or gas, continued the company.

In addition, the tire manufacturing process are “very energy efficient as we are only utilising the most modern technology and machinery,” said Nokian – without providing details.

Having produced its first tire in July 2024, the production unit in north western Romania is ramping up to the annual capacity of 6 million tires, with expansion potential in the future.

The factory, which covers a total area of around 54 hectares, will focus on passenger car tire production to be primarily sold in the central European market.

The facility includes the production unit, a distribution facility for storage and distribution of tires, and mixing, utility and administrative buildings.

Nokian said it chose Oradea as the location for the new tire factory "based on talent, business environment, infrastructure, real estate and utilities, operational cost and risks." 

“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 VP of Nokian Tyres Romania. 

The project was costed at around €650 million, with Nokian to receive state aid worth round €100 million from the Romanian government and a €150-million investment loan from European Investment Bank. 

The workforce at the Oradea factory  is expected to reach 300 by the end of 2024, towards a planned headcount of the about 500 people.