Nokian Tyres CEO to compete in Chattanooga Ironman
Nokian Tyres Chief Executive Officer Hille Korhonen plans to compete in the Little Debbie Ironman triathlon in Chattanooga on Sunday.
“The sense of community that comes from participating in an Ironman event is extraordinary,” said the CEO of the Finnish company building a $360 million tire production plant in nearby Dayton, Tenn.
Korhonen, 57, said in a statement that she came to Chattanooga last year for the Dayton factory groundbreaking ceremony and “since that time have set my sights on coming back to compete.”
She took part in an Ironman 70.3 event in Finland last year and said it fits in naturally with the company’s values that promote mobility and active lifestyles.
“As Nokian Tyres continues to grow its presence in North America, I want to set an example for our employees and show them our company’s values aren’t just words,” Korhonen said. “For me, courage, devotion and commitment lay the foundation for Nokian Tyres’ success. This race
exemplifies that by putting both physical and mental capabilities to the test, showcasing how this type determination can drive people forward and allow them to accomplish their goals.”
Nokian sponsored the Ironman 70.3 in Lahti, Finland, and it also hosts its own Hakkapeliitta Triathlon, according to the company.
In 2017, the company’s revenues were about $2 billion and it employed some 4,600 people.
In Dayton, when in full production in 2020, the plant will employ 400 workers and make about 4 million tires annually.
In addition, four more potential phases are eyed, officials have said. Should the manufacturer make the investment, each of the future phases could add another 4 million tires a year in production, they said.
That production could include not just tires for cars and SUVs, but for heavy equipment as well, officials said.