At an investment of around €100m (US$113m), Continental is expanding its production facility in Lousado, Portugal, to produce more radial earthmoving and port tires with a diameter larger than 24in. During the course of the ramp-up, more than 100 new jobs will be created.
“Thanks to the investment and additional capacity created, we are continuing to pursue our growth strategy. Both the port and earthmoving segments are among the key growth areas in the commercial specialty tire market. The new production lines clearly reflect our commitment to these segments and the overall OTR business,” said Christian Kötz, member of the executive board at Continental and head of the tire division.
The new production hall is adjacent to the radial agricultural tire plant on the site, which opened in 2017. Equipped with state-of-the-art tire building machinery and automated devices, the factory is designed to be as ergonomic as possible. At full speed, the production units will deliver three earthmoving tire lines and another three port tire lines.
Continental’s research and development center in Lousado, where the company tests its agricultural, port and earthmoving tires, is also being expanded.
“This investment strengthens our footprint in Lousado and will transform the plant into a competence center for big radial tires for off-road use,” concluded Kötz.
