The president of Nokian Tyres, Paolo Pompei, stated on Tuesday, during his visit to the Oradea-based factory, the world's first zero-CO2 tyre production unit, that it will become, in 2028, the largest in the Finnish company's portfolio and will soon ensure over 80% of sales on the European market.

'Our factory in Romania represents one of the most strategic investments that Nokian Tyres has made in the last 20 years. It combines state-of-the-art technologies, highly qualified colleagues and sustainable operations. We expect this new production unit to soon ensure over 80% of our sales on the European market and, by 2028, to become our largest factory,' said Paolo Pompei.

According to a company's release, an event dedicated to sustainability and the future of responsible industrial production took place at the factory on Tuesday, a 'meeting that brought together the main institutional representatives from Romania to explore the future directions of sustainable production, with a special emphasis on environmental innovations integrated into the design and operation of the Oradea factory'.

The Nokian Tyres factory in Oradea operates exclusively on zero-CO2 energy, completely eliminating fossil fuels from the production process. All electricity used at the Oradea-based factory is CO2-free. Part of the electricity is generated by photovoltaic units located on the premises. The steam required to vulcanize the tires is produced by innovative electric boilers that use 100% CO2-free electricity instead of fossil fuels such as coal or gas. In addition, the tire production process is highly energy-efficient, using only state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

With a total investment of approximately 650 million euros - one of the largest foreign investments in Romania in recent years - the Oradea-based plant covers an area of 54 hectares and currently employs approximately 530 people, most of whom are from Bihor County. It also houses a tyre storage and distribution facility, mainly for Central and Southern European markets.

The first tyres were delivered from the plant in March 2025. It is estimated that by the end of the year, the number of tires produced will reach one million.

The factory currently operates in four shifts, 24/7, supporting the gradual increase in production, which is progressing according to plan. The growth phase will continue until reaching the maximum capacity of six million tires, expected for the end of 2027. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)