Goodyear officially broke ground for its
new global headquarters complex in Akron, Ohio at an
April 18 ceremony.
Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Kramer,
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, and
Summit County Executive Russ Pry made brief remarks,
then were joined by a number of federal, state and local
officials who helped negotiate the deal – and together,
shovels in hand, they helped start construction at the
worksite.
“This was truly a remarkable team effort and a good
example of the public and private sectors working
together for the common good,” says Kramer. “Goodyear is proud to be a global company
headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Both Goodyear and the
city have changed and grown over the years, but our
commitment to Akron remains constant. Goodyear will
continue to be a vital part of this community’s
future.”
The groundbreaking took place on a grassy lawn, site of
the new facility, just south of the company’s Innovation
Center.
The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2013.
At that time, Goodyear will relocate about 2,000
associates into the building, which will serve as
headquarters for the company’s global operations and its
North American tire business team.
The new building will connect with the existing
Innovation Center and serve as a central campus for the
company in Akron. The Innovation Center is currently
home to more than 800 employees.
As part of the agreement, Goodyear will lease the office
space through 2038 and have potential options through
2093.
The project was announced several years ago, but was
delayed by the credit crisis.
For more information, visit www.goodyear.com.
