Akron, OH - Goodyear Tire & Rubber held a topping ceremony for its new corporate and North American headquarters in Akron, OH, seven months to the day after its groundbreaking. A steel beam signed by hundreds of Goodyear’s Akron associates was put in place as many of them, along with chairman and chief executive officer Richard J. Kramer, watched the live video feed in the Goodyear Theatre. The beam was signed last month during Goodyear’s annual fundraiser for the United Way of Summit County. “The building represents a significant milestone in Goodyear’s long history, so it is important – and fun – to recognize such a big moment,” said Kramer. “Just as the company has evolved into a modern global business, we are transitioning from our 85-year-old headquarters to a state-of-the-art campus.” A topping ceremony is a tradition – much like the christening of a ship – held when a new building is erected. An evergreen tree, a symbol of growth and good luck, is placed on the beam as it is hoisted in place. The headquarters 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. The new building will connect with Goodyear’s existing Innovation Center and serve as a central campus for the company in Akron. The Innovation Center is currently home to more than 800 associates.