Nokian named among best places to work in Vermont

COLCHESTER, Vt. — Nokian Tyres North America of Colchester has been named one of Vermont's Best Places to Work, according to two state entities.

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce recently lauded the North American subsidiary of Nokia, Finland-based Nokian Tyres P.L.C. in a statewide survey managed by the Best Companies Group.

According to Nokian, the survey is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses. The evaluation process has two steps, and the results are separated into three categories: small, medium and large businesses.

The first part of the survey evaluated a company's workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics, while the second consisted of an employee survey that measured employees experience.

Nokian Tyres said it prides itself as a life-driven company "with a mission to provide peace of mind in all conditions." The Nokia-based tire maker adheres to the Hakkapeliitta spirit (its winter tires are named after this), which drives the success of the business through entrepreneurship, inventiveness and spirit.

Nokian said it has supported many local non-profits through employee volunteerism, donations and product support.

Nokian said it "strives to ensure its workers stay happy, healthy and motivated." It has 10 employees with more than 20 years of experience and three with more than 30. Despite adding 31 employees over the last two years, Nokian said its average employee tenure is nearly 10 years.

Tommi Heinonen, head of Nokian Tyres North America, said the recognition is significant for the tire maker.

"Our employees are the backbone of this company and go above and beyond every single day to ensure customers' needs are fulfilled," Mr. Heinonen said. "We are honored to have received the validation of our employees' passion for the company and will continue to work hard to remain among the Best Places to Work in Vermont."

Nokian Tyres North America employs 120, placing it in the medium business category in Vermont.