Life after Nokian: what happens at the Ikon Tires tire factory
- January 6, 2024
- 0
The turning point year 2022 turned out to be difficult, to say the least, for the Vsevolozhsk tire plant – the one that previously produced tires of the
The turning point year 2022 turned out to be difficult, to say the least, for the Vsevolozhsk tire plant – the one that previously produced tires of the Finnish brand Nokian, and now of the domestic Ikon. Due to sanctions, the company’s European owner was forced to hastily withdraw and transfer local assets to Russia’s Tatneft. So what do we see now, ten months after the deal closed? The answer to this question is in the video report of the AvtoVzglyad portal.
The Leningrad plant played a crucial role in the life of Nokian: about 80% of all brand tires were produced in Vsevolozhsk, which were sold not only in our vast region, but also in more than 40 other countries. Giving up this most valuable asset – we dare to assume – was difficult and painful for the Finns, but there was simply no other way out, because in the summer of 2022 the collective West introduced a ban on the international exchange of ties and raw materials for them with Russia.
But oh well, they left and left. Much more important is how Tatneft took on this challenge and became the full owner of a powerful company in the spring of 2023.
And she accepted it responsibly and with dignity. As soon as it became clear that the factory had no further path with Nokian, the company launched a complete localization program, which involved more than a hundred projects in the field of equipment, IT systems and, of course, services for consumers. The result is autonomous operation in all areas and no production stop.
Yes, it seems incredible, but the Vsevolozhsk plant did not stop for a single day, although production volumes, of course, decreased. During the transition period, tires rolled off the assembly line without logos (the Finns took the Nokian, Hakkapeliitta and Hakka trademarks with them), and now the proud Ikon Tires are proudly displayed on the sidewall – a name that has opened a completely new chapter in the history of the indestructible company.
And for more details about what is happening at the Leningrad plant, see the video review from the AvtoVzglyad portal, which you can watch Here.
The Leningrad plant played a crucial role in the life of Nokian: about 80% of all brand tires were produced in Vsevolozhsk, which were sold not only in our vast region, but also in more than 40 other countries. Giving up this most valuable asset – we dare to assume – was difficult and painful for the Finns, but there was simply no other way out, because in the summer of 2022 the collective West introduced a ban on the international exchange of ties and raw materials for them with Russia.
But oh well, they left and left. Much more important is how Tatneft took on this challenge and became the full owner of a powerful company in the spring of 2023.
And she accepted it responsibly and with dignity. As soon as it became clear that the plant had no further path with Nokian, the company launched a full localization program, which involved more than a hundred projects related to equipment, IT systems and, of course, services for consumers. The result is autonomous operation in all areas and no production stop.
Yes, it seems incredible, but the Vsevolozhsk plant did not stop for a single day, although production volumes, of course, decreased. During the transition period, tires rolled off the assembly line without logos (the Finns took the Nokian, Hakkapeliitta and Hakka trademarks with them), and now the proud Ikon Tires are proudly displayed on the sidewall – a name that has opened a completely new chapter in the history of the indestructible company.
And for more details about what is happening at the Leningrad plant, see the video review from the AvtoVzglyad portal, which you can watch Here.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
