Conti to relocate German solid tire production to Asia

Hanover, Germany – Continental has decided to gradually relocate the production of solid industrial tires from its Korbach site in Germany to the Asia-Pacific region, the company has confirmed to ERJ.

Within Continental's global production network, the plants in Kalutara, Sri Lanka and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia will take over production, said Continental 3 Sept.

The Korbach site, meanwhile, will continue to produce passenger car tires and two-wheel tires.

“With this decision, the company is responding to the persistent underutilisation of its production capacities in the industrial tire segment over several years, as well as significant cost pressure,” explained Continental in its statement to ERJ.

The realignment, the company said, is expected to strengthen long-term competitiveness of Continental's global tire business.

According to Continental, the relocation will begin this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

The German group said the long transition period ensures that customers will continue to be supplied reliably.

Furthermore, the transition period is also intended to open up new career opportunities for the 140 affected employees at the site.

Continental stressed that Korbach remains an important site within its global production network, with around 2,400 employees in the tire segment.

In addition to tires for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, the Korbach site also produces motorcycle and bicycle tires.