Continental Tire the Americas LLC has completed the first leg of its journey in opening a $1.45 billion facility in Mississippi. The company has opened an employee training center on the site of its future tire plant. “This is where our growth begins,” said Michael Egner, project manager. “The training center will support the recruitment and professional development that will drive the success of our employees in Clinton. I want to thank all of you who gathered with us today in support of this important project.”
Continental hosted a grand opening for the training center on Nov. 8. Among the attendees were Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant.
“This a great day for Continental Tire and the State of Mississippi,” Bryant said. “This training center is state-of-the-art and will facilitate jobs for Mississippians for years to come. Workforce training is vital to a healthy economy and something that has been a priority of mine since taking office. We are thrilled to have Continental Tire as a business partner in Mississippi.”
The training center is equipped with classrooms, computer labs and technical equipment that will be used for job interviews, new employee orientation, and training. The center will be an important part of Continental's recruitment and employee retention efforts at the company's commercial tire plant, which is to begin production in 2020. Additionally, the center will be used by Continental's sales team and for special events for Continental customers. The company also will partner with Hinds Community College to drive employment and professional development at the facility.
Clyde Muse, president of Hinds Community College, said, “Hinds Community College is excited to serve as Continental’s training partner; not only ensuring that we support them in developing a highly skilled workforce, but also to provide ongoing training for professional growth and development of their workforce as the plant expands. Every job offered at Continental Tire creates an opportunity for someone to improve their quality of life. We will remain committed to supporting their educational and training endeavors for many years to come.” Paul Williams, executive vice president of truck tires in the Americas, said, “Continental’s commercial vehicle tire business throughout the Americas region has been growing significantly over the past years as we have continued to introduce leading products, technology, services, and solutions designed specifically for our trucking and transportation fleet customers. This training center is the first step in a long journey of ensuring top quality jobs for our employees in Clinton and with that also setting the foundation to manufacture premium quality products for our customers.”
