NOKIA, Finland — Nokian Tyres P.L.C. is adding a fourth shift at its headquarters plant in Nokia, a move that will raise the plant's car tire output by 30 percent.
The move — to a four-shift/six-day production schedule from three shifts/five days per week — is in response to "strong growth" and will support its goals of doubling sales in North America and increasing business in Central Europe by 50 percent over the coming five years, according to Nokian President and CEO Hille Korhonen.
The move will result in the creation of 80 new jobs at the factory, where employment stood at 844 at last report. New hires are expected to start training from September, Nokian said, with the new shift plan effective by early next year at the latest.
This is the second production boost for the 114-year-old plant in the past six months.
Last December, Nokian disclosed plans to boost capacity for heavy commercial tires at the plant in Nokia by 50 percent with an $82 million investment over the coming three years.
The project will increase the plant's rated capacity for heavy tires to about 32,000 metric tons per year from 20,000, and will create up to 50 new jobs, Nokian said.