AKRON, Ohio, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cutting a ribbon featuring the pattern of a tire tread, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) held the "Grand Opening" of its new Global Headquarters here today.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130509/CL10843 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Kramer, Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic made brief remarks before leading a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the tire company's new offices.

One of the Goodyear associates participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Paul Sandstrom, who joined the company in 1967.  He was selected to represent Goodyear's 69,000 associates at the event due to his embodiment of the company's heritage and innovative spirit.  A polymer chemist, Sandstrom holds nearly 1,400 patents.

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

"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. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the plaza outside of the entrance to the Global Headquarters, approximately 100 feet from where the company held its groundbreaking on April 18, 2011. 

The 639,000 square foot Global Headquarters building is home to nearly 2,000 corporate and North American Tire associates.  The new building is connected to Goodyear's existing Innovation Center and serves as a central campus for the company in Akron.  The Innovation Center is currently home to almost 1,000 associates.

Goodyear built its first office building, a two-story structure, on East Market Street in 1900.  Additional factory and office buildings, including the landmark Old Guard clock tower, were constructed in 1915.  The Akron Innovation Center was built as a factory known as "Plant Two" in 1916 and renovated in 1978 to become the company's global technical center.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  Founded in Akron, Ohio in 1898, it employs about 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 52 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Note to Editors: Additional photos are available at www.goodyearnewsroom.com.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company