The factory operates without utilizing any fossil energy, making it the world’s first full-scale tire factory with zero CO2 emissions.
The factory inauguration marks the successful completion of a 2-year long project and sets the ground for commercial production in early 2025.
“We are very pleased to be inaugurating our Oradea factory today. It will strengthen our capability to serve our customers in Central Europe and beyond and support our growth as planned toward net sales of EUR 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,” says Jukka Moisio, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres. “The entire construction process was highly efficient, and I would like to thank everyone who made this achievement possible,” he adds.
At the Nokian Tyres Oradea factory, no energy generated by fossil fuels is used. This enables the whole factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions. This is achieved through a combination of solutions.
The factory produced its first tire in July 2024, and the project is ramping up to the annual capacity of 6 million tires, with expansion potential in the future. The factory will focus on passenger car tire production to be primarily sold in the Central European market as it is strategically located close to that area’s customers.
The total factory area is some 54 hectares. The facility includes the production unit, a distribution facility for storage and distribution of tires, and mixing, utility and administrative buildings. The combined built-up area totals approximately 100,000 square meters.
Along with the construction work, Nokian Tyres conducted a recruitment campaign for attracting skilled employees, with a focus on local talents in Bihor County. The planned headcount of the Oradea factory is about 500 people and is expected to reach 300 by the end of 2024. The process will continue in 2025.