Continental closes solid tire plant in Germany

Continental has decided to close its solid tire plant in Korbach, Germany, and gradually transfer production to its facilities in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The company's decision will affect around 140 employees, with the restructuring planned to be completed by mid-2029. Continental will continue manufacturing other tire categories in Korbach, including passenger car and motorcycle tires, reports HNA.

Continental cites prolonged underutilization of the plant and intense price competition as reasons for the closure. The production transfer is planned over an extended period to ensure stable supply to customers and to give employees sufficient time for professional reorientation.

Continental emphasizes that the Korbach site remains a key part of its global production network. In recent years, investments at the site have exceeded 300 million euros. In addition to passenger car and motorcycle tires, Korbach also produces bicycle tires—used, for example, by six teams during this year’s Tour de France. Since 2016, the plant has manufactured UHP tires with diameters of 18 inches and larger, developed at the on-site technology center. Recently, Continental also announced plans to invest tens of millions of euros in building its first wind farm near Korbach, which will supply the facility with electricity.

Solid tire production for forklifts and other industrial equipment was established in Korbach in 1965.