Nokian Tyres Says Mentorship Program Helps Production

By 2024, Nokian Tyres’ North American said its in Dayton, Tennessee factory will produce as many as four million all-season and all-weather tires for drivers in US and Canada. The company announced it is hiring 125 team members and doubling capacity at the facility to meet rising demand.

More than 80 mentors have been nominated to train the new colleagues, encourage their career development and serve as a resource during the company’s months-long training program. In turn, the experience offers mentors a chance to develop their leadership skills.

The company said its mentorship program is tailored to the needs and preferences of each new worker.

In its three-plus years of operations in Dayton, Nokian Tyres said it earned recognition for the factory’s safety, and sustainability efforts. The tire-maker earned Company of the Year honors from the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association. It was the first Rhea County business to receive the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Sustainable Performance.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."