Continental invests in Hanover production systems

Hanover, Germany – Continental Corp. is investing more than €2.5 million in new systems for drive components for agricultural applications at its Hanover-Vahrenwald site.

It installed a new production line and new test rig, enabling the company to raise production and broaden the range of belt applications, according to a 22 Aug Continental news release.

"There is no future without agriculture. Our investment is therefore a clear signal of our future intent and an important step on our growth journey," said Claudia Holtkemper, head of the business unit for power transmission belts and components for Continental.

The addition of the new line, which has already been commissioned, means that belts can be manufactured in widths up to 40 inches, the company said.

The variable-speed smart belts, used as high-performance belts in agricultural machines such as combine harvesters, have an integral sensor that enables predictive, proactive maintenance.

The new test rig can assess load capacity and robustness of variable-speed belts up to a power output of 200 kilowatts.

Continental develops solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport, with applications in markets such as construction, agricultural and transport machinery.