The output of the plant will more than double, with the target to reach the production of 10 million tires by 2011, according to the company. Since 2005, the Russian plant has produced Nokian branded passenger summer and winter tires. Two production lines are currently operating, and a third is being installed. A fourth line will start this summer, the company said. By the end of 2006, the tiremaker had invested 137 million euros in the expansions.
The Vsevolozhsk plant is currently capable of producing roughly 4 million tires, but a new 32,500-square meter production hall will enable capacity to increase to 10 million tires.
Groundbreaking for the production hall is slated to begin this spring, and the building is expected to be completed in early 2008. Installation of equipment will begin in February 2008, Nokian said.
Total investment will be approximately 195 million euros; of that, 66 million euros will be allocated to 2008.