Continental increases capacity in Thailand
Continental is expanding its plant in Rayong (Thailand) to meet the growing demand for premium tires in the country, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region and in North and South America.
The production of tires for passenger and light commercial vehicles will be increased, but the company did not specify by how much. Currently, the plant is capable of producing around 4 million tires in this category per year — and another 800,000 motorcycle tires.
Initially, the production of passenger and light commercial vehicle (PLT) tires was launched in Rayong, and then, thanks to additional investments, the production of motorcycle tires was established. The new investments will increase the plant's workforce by 900 people, and it will reach full capacity in 2029.
In 2024, Continental is celebrating 15 years of presence in Thailand and the 5th anniversary of the Rayong plant, into which a total of 250 million euros have been invested. The plant employs 900 people, and its products are sold both in the aftermarket and in the original equipment sector.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most strategically important for Continental Tire, — said Dalibor Zolina, Head of Continental Tires for the aftermarket in the APR. — The Rayong plant supplies premium tires to customers in Thailand, the entire Asia-Pacific region, and even the global market.
In Thailand, the company produces various premium tires, including the new Continental MaxContact MC7, which was launched in the APR market in April 2024 and, according to the manufacturer, is capable of increasing safety in everyday use. In addition, the plant also produces tires adapted to the characteristics of electric vehicles, and last year Continental supplied tires to all five leading electric vehicle manufacturers in the region. Moreover, the Rayong production site is one of the largest Continental tire plants in the world for the production of motorcycle tires.
Earlier, Continental also announced plans to expand production in China.