Continental to Boost Production Capacity and Job Creation in Asia-Pacific
Continental has marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of the fourth expansion phase of its tyre plant in Hefei, China. This latest development is set to elevate the plant’s annual production capacity to 18 million passenger and light truck tyres by 2027. With total investments in the Hefei site nearing €1 billion, the expansion is poised to create 400 additional jobs in the coming years.
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Dalibor Kalina, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tyres APAC, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion: “Our latest expansion further solidifies our ‘in the market for the market’ approach. It enables us to meet the demands of our customers in the Asia-Pacific region even better. Expanding our plant in Hefei for the fourth time is a testament of our business success in these markets.”
The Hefei plant showcases advanced automation technology, particularly in the tyre curing process, which ensures a modern, digital, ergonomic, and sustainable workplace. Additionally, the site upholds high standards in renewable energy usage. Solar panels installed on the rooftop generate 27 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, covering 18 per cent of the plant’s total electricity needs. This commitment to sustainability has earned the Hefei plant the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS.
By integrating a high degree of automation with sustainable practices, Continental aims to achieve 100 per cent climate neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050, while simultaneously offering safe and ergonomic workplaces of the future.
Since its inception in 2011, the Hefei plant has been a critical hub for manufacturing tyres for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market. With this latest expansion, Continental further consolidates its presence in the region, particularly in the Chinese market. Jeff Wang, Plant Manager of the Hefei facility, highlighted the collaborative effort involved in the project: “Our Hefei plant is a cornerstone of Continental Tyres’ rapid growth in China and the Asia-Pacific region. The phase 4 expansion required extensive collaboration within and outside the company, as well as trust from our local partners.”
Continental continues to invest in the digitalisation and automation of its global manufacturing operations, spanning 20 tyre plants across 16 countries. The focus remains on research and development of innovative technologies, alternative materials, environmentally friendly production, and continuous improvement of logistics efficiency.
