Conti acquires moulds specialist for commercial vehicle, speciality tires

Hanover, Germany – Continental AG has added to its tire mould-making capabilities with the acquisition of Slovakia-based EMT sro, the German group announced 8 April.

Mould manufacturing specialist EMT, it stated, was already a “long-standing” supplier and all its shares were transferred to Continental, effective 2 April.

"All 107 employees, who have specialist knowledge in mold manufacturing, have been taken on," said Continental, without providing further details of the acquisition.

Focused on the milling of moulds made of steel, based in Puchov-based EMT manufactures moulds for commercial vehicle and speciality tires.

With the acquisition of EMT, Continental said it had completed its internal portfolio for mould-making technologies.

"We can [now] act completely independently in mould making if required,” said Dr Bernhard Trilken, head of production and logistics at Continental's Tires group sector.

Having expertise for all mould applications in house, Trilken added, is “a strategic advantage, given the economic uncertainties worldwide."

The acquisition of EMT brings further "technological reinforcement" to Continental Tires, added Julia Sadrina, responsible for production of tire moulds and machinery worldwide.

Continental previously enhanced its production of moulds for passenger car tires with the acquisitions of German mould manufacturer A-Z Formen in 2015 and Czech mould specialist VFC back in 1993.