Continental expands production in China

Continental has begun the fourth phase of expanding its tire plant in Hefei — its only production site in China — whose annual capacity will be increased to 18 million passenger and light truck tires by 2027. To date, the enterprise has already invested almost 1 billion euros, and the expansion of production will create 400 additional jobs. It is reported that the production of high-tech Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tires with a diameter of 18 inches and above for the Asia-Pacific market will also be increased.

According to Dalibor Kalina, head of the Continental tire department for the secondary market in the Asia-Pacific region, the new project will allow the company to more effectively meet consumer demand in the region. "We are expanding the Hefei plant for the fourth time, which confirms the success of our business in the local market," he said.

In Continental, they add that the Chinese plant uses advanced automation technologies, for example, during the vulcanization process, when the tires acquire their final shape. In addition, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the enterprise, which generate 27 million kWh per year, meeting 18% of the electricity needs, and not so long ago, the eco-certification Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS was passed.

The Hefei plant has been producing tires for the Asia-Pacific region since 2011, and the increase in capacity is primarily due to the fact that Continental intends to strengthen its position in the Chinese market. In total, the company owns 20 tire plants in 16 countries.