Continental gives back in a big way

Aug. 24, 2012

Continental Tire the Americas LLC celebrated the expansion of its headquarters by giving back to the Lancaster County, S.C., community.

The company recently held a special ceremony attended by government officials -- including South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and Lancaster County Chairwoman Kathy Sistare -- local dignitaries and employees.

“Continental Tire the Americas has experienced significant business growth due to the increasing demand for Continental and General brand passenger, light truck, and commercial tires,” said Dr. Jochen Etzel, CEO.

“As a result, our company is able to invest in and expand our facilities to meet such needs. We are committed to increasing our production capacity in the Americas region so that we can meet the growing needs of our loyal customers.”

As part of the festivities, Etzel presented Lancaster County officials with a supply of tires for the county’s fire trucks. Additionally, he presented a $10,000 donation to the local Boys and Girls Club on behalf of all Continental Tire employees.

Continental's South Carolina headquarters opened three years ago with a workforce of approximately 375 employees. Continental has been hiring additional employees at a steady pace, and has invested another $4 million into the facility to provide for a 16,000-square-foot addition.

The expansion will bring the total size of the building to 91,000 square feet, which sits on 11.5 acres in northern Lancaster County. The investment also includes the creation of 80 new jobs over the next four years.

Continental has made considerable donations to the local community since its arrival in 2009, including contributions to the local schools as well as the police, fire and municipal forces.

“When companies like Continental invest and create jobs in a community, it helps make that community sustainable," said Hitt. "But they also improve the quality of life for communities with things like today’s donations to the Lancaster County fire departments and the local Boys and Girls Club."

Its headquarters is not the only South Carolina building in which the company is investing. For more information, click "New Continental tire plant in Sumter, S.C., will cost one half billion dollars."