2024 marks a significant milestone for Continental’s tire manufacturing operations in the United States. Three key plants celebrate their anniversaries: 5 years in Clinton, Mississippi, 10 years in Sumter, South Carolina, and 50 years in Mount Vernon, Illinois. With an annual production capacity of more than 16 million tires and a team of more than 6,700 local manufacturing employees, Continental is amongst the top tire manufacturers in the U.S..
In the last decade alone, the company has invested more than $1.5 billion USD in its American tire manufacturing operations. Continental is committed to premium product quality, innovation, and growth in the U.S. market. Thus, the premium tire manufacturer is continuously investing in the expansion of its tire plants. “Tires from Continental stand for high performance and premium quality.
Since 1988, when Continental first started manufacturing operations in the U.S., we have strategically and consistently enhanced the manufacturing footprint to support growth in the American market. This is integral to our overall success,” said Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas. “Continental proudly produces premium tires made in America. The U.S. tire plants have grown considerably over the years, fueled by our passion for tires. Being one of the top premium tire manufacturers, we have an unwavering commitment to excellence and cutting-edge technology,” highlighted Benny Harmse, Head of Manufacturing Continental Tire the Americas.
Continental’s U.S. tire manufacturing plants stand for both tradition and innovation. The Mt. Vernon plant produced its first tire in 1974 and has a product portfolio of both passenger light truck tires (PLT) and truck tires (TT); it employs a team of over 3,900. The Sumter plant, officially opened in 2014, employs approximately 1,300 employees and focuses on producing PLT tires. The newest Continental tire plant is located in Clinton. It officially opened in 2019, employs around 700 people and produces TT tires. Continental’s serves both original equipment and replacement customers from these plants. There are additional manufacturing locations in Aldora Mills, Barnesville, Georgia, which produces tire cord and in Plymouth, Indiana, where Hoosier produces racing tires.
Continental’s involvement in the American market has a long history. Identified as a strategic growth market, it is an important component of Continental Tires’ “Vision 2030” strategy program. Throughout the USA, Continental is recognized as a “preferred employer”. For example, the company was recently named “America’s Best Large Employers” by the media company Forbes for the eighth time.