Russian Nokian Workers Given Chance to Become ‘Village’ People

Nokian tyres has unveiled its brand new housing complex built for workers at its factory in Vsevolozhsk, Russia. Known as ‘Hakkapeliitta Village’, the 167 apartments are located some ten kilometres from the plant and cover a total area of 10,300 square metres. The company has invested more than ten million euros into the project in the aim of attracting and retaining qualified staff at the facility; a Nokian press release explains that in exchange for a commitment to remain at the plant for at least seven years, employees can purchase an apartment within the complex for substantially less than the average market price.

“A factory is all about the people who work there, and this complex has been built for them,” stated Nokian Tyres president and CEO Kim Gran at the housing complex’s opening ceremony on October 20. “We need qualified, professional personnel, and this complex is one of the main factors in attracting and retaining personnel. We hope they will view us accordingly.”

Eligible workers must be recommended by their supervisors for the housing scheme, and those who make the grade can obtain mortgages at an interest rate of 7.3 per cent, far lower than the standard rate there. Three more apartment blocks are planned for the complex, which will eventually house around 600 employees. According to an article in the St. Petersburg Times, those who have already chosen to set up home in Hakkapeliitta Village appear pleased with the arrangement. Plant employee Andrei Bogdanov, scheduled to move in with his family in early November, told the paper he was “very happy” with his new accommodation. “Previously, we lived in a wooden building in Vsevolozhsk,” he said. “The conditions here are much better.”