Nokian Tyres has begun construction on its administration building at its new factory in Dayton, Tennessee, as part of the $360 million project.
Complete with meeting spaces, offices, a gym, garden and other premium amenities, the facility is intended to reinforce the Scandinavian company's life-driven culture while providing everything its employees need to be successful, according to the Finland-based manufacturer.
"Our administration building is another example of our desire to be the employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee," said Dayton Factory Operations Director Peter Chia in a statement. "In addition to taking care of our workers' practical business needs, we want this facility to give them space to thrive."
Nokian Tyres is partnering with EMJ Construction of Chattanooga to construct the facility, which is scheduled for completion in mid-2020. Work on the adjacent production complex is largely complete. Trial production began in early July, and commercial tire production remains on schedule for early next year, the company said.
The administration building's interactive, open-concept office space will accommodate as many as 100 employees. The two-story, 26,500-square-foot facility will also feature a cafeteria that doubles as a large meeting space, conference rooms, a first-aid room, a gym and locker rooms and a sauna.
The company is building several green features at the factory, according to Nokian. That includes a green space area outside the building, which features a garden between the parking lot and the building's entrance complete with a pond, trees, park benches and a walking path. Patios will dot the exterior of the structure, the company said.
"As a Tennessee-based company we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Nokian Tyres," said Chas Torrence, executive vice president of EMJ Construction.
The Dayton factory is a major element of Nokian Tyres' growth strategy, through which the company aims to double North American sales by 2023. The facility will allow the company to make premium products tailored to the needs of North American consumers, expand its customer base, and strengthen its relationships with existing customers. the company said.
Once capacity reaches 4 million tires per year, the factory will employ as many as 400 people from production operators to engineers, managers and specialists in several core business areas.