Richard Kramer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. chairman, CEO and president, flanked by Goodyear associates and politicians, dug into the soil adjoining the company's Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio, symbolizing the official groundbreaking of Goodyear's new global headquarters.
"This was truly a remarkable team effort and a good example of the public and private sectors working together for the common good," said 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 project was announced several years ago, but was delayed by the credit crisis. It 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 North American tire business team.
The new building will connect with Goodyear's Innovation Center and serve as a central campus for the company. The Innovation Center currently has more than 800 associates.
As part of the agreement, Goodyear will lease the office space through 2038 and have potential options through 2093.
Joining Kramer for the ceremony was Ohio Gov. John Kasich and other state, federal and local politicians who had helped negotiate the deal.
