VSEVOLOZHSK, Russia (June 8, 2005) — Nokian Tyres P.L.C.'s new plant in Vzevolozhsk has started production only 10 months after breaking ground on the factory.
Nokian is targeting production at the plant this year of up to 500,000 tires, with first stage annual capacity of 1.5 million units. Nokian already is working on the second phase of the $180 million project, which will boost capacity to 4 million units a year by 2008. Capacity will be expanded gradually, reaching 8 million units by 2016, Nokian said.
The first tires produced were Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 winter tires, the company said.