KELKHEIM, Germany — Nexen Tire Corp. has combined the activities of its Nexen Tire Europe and Nexen Tire Technical Center units in Germany into a purpose-built facility in Kelkheim that was designed with a customer-centric focus.
Constructed in less than 13 months' time, the 118,000-sq.-ft. facility was built with ecologically friendly materials sourced from local companies. The new headquarters will support 80 employees and features an open-room design that cultivates collaboration among those working there. It also has meeting rooms for visitors and customers.
Nexen Tire CEO Travis Kang noted that the collaborative design of the building not only impacts the quality of the products, but also enhances customer service.
"The innovative idea of the cooperative model (is) in tune with the motto where management, sales, marketing (and) research and development work shoulder to shoulder," he said in a statement. "The result ensured the benefit and advantage for our customers and partners."
Mr. Kang pointed to an efficient decision-making process and faster response times as key benefits of a more collaborative office space.
Nexen did not provide investment details for the new facility.
The new German headquarters helps to support Nexen's growth throughout Europe.
The company is expected to bring on stream later this year a $1 billion passenger and light truck tire plant in Zatec, Czech Republic, that's been under construction since 2015.
The first phase of production at the plant is slated to be 15,000 units per day; at full capacity, the plant is expected to produce more than 12 million tires each year.
Nexen's overall sales were strong throughout Europe in 2017, according to a financial report released in February. While sales fell 14.6 percent in North America in last year, European tire sales grew by 15 percent — enough to overcome a tough fourth quarter and establish the region as the tire maker's largest in terms of sales.
Also in 2017, Nexen noted it expanded its original equipment supply to auto makers throughout Europe, naming Volkswagen A.G. and its Seat and Skoda brands as key partners in that endeavor.
The Seoul, South Korea-based tire manufacturer recorded overall global sales of $1.65 billion in 2017, securing the No. 20 spot on Tire Business' most recent Global Tire Ranking.