Continental invests in Chinese plant

With local government officials in attendance, Continental celebrated the ground breaking of the new production facility. Full-fledged production is scheduled to commence in September 2012. By that time the new plant will take over production for the Chassis & Safety and Interior divisions from the existing automotive electronics Changchun plant. “As part of our over-proportional profitable growth plans in China, this new plant represents another important step in our expansion plans, emphasizing our confidence in the Chinese market,” said Jay Kunkel, Head of Continental China, in a statement. With a workforce of approximately 2,500 and a broad product portfolio in production and R&D from all three automotive divisions, the existing plant currently manufactures products for 136 customers in 58 locations across China and exports to 73 customers in 19 countries worldwide.