NOKIAN Heavy Tyres has announced that the biggest investment in the company’s history – approximately 70 million euros – is taking shape on time.

Last year, the manufacturer unveiled plans to increase the production of commercial tyres up to 50 per cent, and more than double the number of new products, by investing heavily in production and product development. Now, a new 3,500 m² R & D building is under construction, and another project to expand production facilities is already complete.

Expanding a working factory is not without challenges, and Nokian has attributed its success to careful planning and agile change management. Plant director, Pasi Antinmaa, explained: “By implementing the lean model, we have been able to increase our delivery ability by 15 per cent already this year – in the middle of the ongoing renovations. Good planning, anticipation and collaboration have made it possible.”

Besides enabling more capacity and future growth, the new facilities serve an important role by supporting smoother flow and safer work.