Continental Invests Further in China to Meet Rapid Growth Needs in the Biggest Automotive Market
HANOVER, GERMANY – October 21, 2011: Continental, a leading international automotive supplier, continues its growth strategy in China and invests 300 million RMB (app. €35 million) in a second automotive electronics manufacturing plant in Changchun, China. With local government officials in attendance, Continental today celebrated the ground breaking of this new production facility. Full-fledged production is scheduled to commence in September 2012. By then the new plant will take over production for the Chassis & Safety and Interior divisions from the existing automotive electronics Changchun plant.
“Already in operation for 16 years, Continental Automotive Changchun Co., Ltd. is one of the most important manufacturing plants in China. It has played a significant role in helping us successfully establish ourselves in China. 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.