Written by Keith Price, director of national media relations and business communications

On the plaza outside of the Global Headquarters entrance this morning, Goodyear, state and local leaders cut a tire-tread-patterned ribbon to mark the official “Grand Opening” of Goodyear’s new home in Akron, Ohio.

Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rich Kramer, Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic made brief remarks before leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Paul Sandstrom, polymer chemist and R&D felllow, represented Goodyear’s 69,000 associates at the event due to his embodiment of the company’s heritage and innovative spirit. A part of the Goodyear team since 1967, Sandstrom holds nearly 1,400 patents.

The move coordinators and the welcoming committee members who helped with the transition were also present.

Kramer said the company’s new Global Headquarters represents many positive attributes of both Goodyear and its hometown, Akron.

“It represents our commitment to Akron and northeast Ohio…not just to the Akron of old, but to a revitalized, and progressive Akron that continues to evolve and prosper in groundbreaking ways. It represents genuine collaboration. Our new home was made possible by a true partnership between the public and private sectors and serves as a model for other cities to follow,” he said.

“With its advanced technology and collaborative work environment, the new headquarters is providing our associates with great opportunities to come together as one team. There’s genuine excitement about our new home, and more importantly, greater excitement about our future,” Kramer said.

As leaders cut the ribbon approximately 100 feet from where the company held its groundbreaking just over two years ago, approximately 1,000 associates gathered in conference rooms and common areas throughout the campus to watch the event via Goodyear’s first live broadcast on digital signs and television monitors.

News Coverage

Goodyear and its Grand Opening was front-page news for the May 9, 2013 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal. The article recaps some of the company’s business history and shares some facts about the new building. Read the full article,Goodyear’s new headquarters reflects new company, on Ohio.com.