Nokian Tyres receives honor from TDEC in Dayton

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Environmentally friendly manufacturing took another step forward Tuesday in Dayton.

“We are in a true partnership where we can grow and develop together and continue to sharpen the saw in support,” said David Korda, Nokian Tyres Director. 

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation welcomes Nokian Tyres as their newest member of the Tennessee Green Star Partnership. 

“What it does is recognizes that we have achieved ISO 14001 plus beta, good partner and stewards of the best minimum three years,” said Korda. “There are a lot more years to come with that.”

Nokian Tyres opened their Dayton plant just four years ago.  The company now produces more than 4 million tires a year in Rhea County. 

Nokian considers sustainably key to their business culture. 

“This is just part of who we are. So, it is really important that we get recognized for things like this and to be recognized for it is just part of who we want to be. To be a partner with the state is very helpful because you cannot do it alone.”

Nokian tires is the only LEED Silver certified tire production factory in the world.

In 2021, Nokian received the Environmental Stewardship Award for their sustainable performance. 

They hope to use this partnership as a way to learn and become better. 

“How do we use this network of companies that are all part of this partnership to really learn from one another, continue to improve, get better and enhance one of our main core values,” Korda concluded.