Continental AG's ContiTech division is consolidating two textile facilities in Georgia, both of which make elements used in tire production. The company also is investing more than $9 million to update the surviving Barnesville facility.
At the end of 2018 operations in the Porterdale plant will relocate to Continental's facility 45 miles away in Barnesville.
“The consolidation of these facilities will allow us to maximize our efficiencies and optimize our manufacturing footprint,” says Jim Hill, president of Continental’s ContiTech North America operations. “This will enable us to drive synergies and combine some operations under one roof.”
The Porterdale facility produces single end yarns for technical reinforcement applications that adhere to specific rubber compounds, such as hoses and tires. That work will move to the Barnesville plant, which is known as Continental’s Aldora Mills facility.
Employees in Porterdale will be given the opportunity to transfer to the Barnesville location, or if eligible, elect to retire. The Barnesville location, which currently employs just over 200 people, will grow by an additional 106 employees, including those who transfer from Porterdale, as well as new hires.
During the consolidation of the two sites, Continental will invest more than $9 million to modernize equipment and improve efficiencies and production at the Barnesville location.
“This future-orientated investment allows us to ensure continuity in our business as well as extend our long-term viability. We are committed to remaining in yarn and fabric production to support our North American manufacturing operations for our customers and associates,” says Hill.
The Aldora Mills facility opened in 1888 as a cotton mill. The facility began producing tire cord in the early 1920s, and was purchased by Continental in 1986. The plant produces tire cord fabric used for Continental- and General- brand passenger and light truck tires.
For more information, visit www.contitech.us.
