Nokian Tyres celebrated the opening of a factory in Oradea, Romania that operates with zero CO2 emissions. The grand opening, held last week, concluded a two-year EUR 650 million construction project, with full commercial production set to begin in 2025.

According to a Nokian Tyres press release, the grand opening took place on September 19. It was attended by Romanian government and local government officials. Also present were ambassadors of Finland and Romania, Nokian Tyres’ board of directors and management team, and approximately 200 guests.

The factory is being powered by on-site solar power units. The tires are cured with steam generated by electric boilers electrified by CO2 emission-free sources, such as coal and gas. Adrian Kaczmarczyk, Nokian Tyres’ senior vice president of operation excellence, said in the press release that the factory’s tire manufacturing process is energy efficient due to cutting-edge technology and machinery. "With our new Oradea factory, we are truly demonstrating our commitment to sustainability," Kaczmarczyk said.

Although the factory produced its first tire this summer, it won’t be operating at its full capacity of six million tires until next year. The facility, located on a 54-hectare site, measures about 100,000 m² in area. It includes a production unit, distribution facility for storage and distribution of tires, and mixing, utility and administrative buildings.

According to the company’s website, Nokian Tyres, founded in 1988, has factories in Finland and the United States. It employs approximately 3,300 people.